Mary Petersen

What to Say When Asking for a Donation by Turning the Ask Into a Moment of Shared Purpose

Mary Petersen

Published on: 31/01/2026

Asking for a donation is not about perfect wording or persuasive tricks. It is about creating a moment where another person clearly understands why your cause matters and how their contribution fits into something meaningful. When I ask for a donation, my goal is not to pressure anyone. My goal is to invite them into a purpose they can genuinely connect with.

Major Gifts

The Silent Architecture of Transformational Giving: How a Major Gift Fundraising Consultant Shapes Donor Legacy

Mary Petersen

Published on: 31/01/2026

Major gift fundraising is often described in terms of numbers, gift sizes, and campaign targets. In reality, its true power lies in something far less visible. It is about designing a thoughtful structure that allows donors to see their values reflected in lasting impact.

Major Gifts

Stop "Winging" Your Major Gift Strategy

Mary Petersen

Published on: 20/01/2026

If your major gift strategy is “keep following up and hope they respond” - you don’t have a strategy. You have anxiety.

Major Gifts

One-on-One Major Gift Coaching as a Decision Making Discipline for Fundraisers

Mary Petersen

Published on: 17/01/2026

Major gift fundraising is often described as a relationship driven activity, but in practice it is equally a discipline of judgment, timing, and strategic choice.

Major Gifts