Fundraiser, this is a BIG one! 🎉 Closing your first six-figure gift is a milestone moment in your career—and today, I’m walking you through exactly how to make it happen.Whether you’re brand new to major gifts or just haven’t hit that $100K mark yet, this episode will give you the step-by-step framework to find the right donor, cultivate the relationship, make a powerful ask, and steward the gift for future giving.And hey—if you’ve already closed a six-figure gift, stick around! You’ll relive the glory of your first “YES” and pick up tips to help you land your next one even faster. 🚀In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✅ How to find the right donor—no more chasing whales!✅ Why high affinity + high capacity = your ideal six-figure prospect✅ The #1 mistake that keeps fundraisers from making big asks✅ How to cultivate with purpose (so you’re always moving toward the ask)✅ The permission-based fundraising strategy that guarantees you’re asking at the right time✅ What to do after the donor says YES to keep them engaged for future giftsKey Takeaways:🛠 Step 1: Find the Right ProspectNo more guessing! You need both high affinity & high capacityLook at past giving trends—who is already engaged and increasing their gifts?⏳ Step 2: Make Time to FundraiseMajor gifts don’t happen by accident! Protect your time & focus on deep relationshipsWhat you focus on = what gets results📣 Step 3: Have a Strong Case for SupportWhat are your fundable impact areas? Don’t just build new programs—fund what’s already making a differenceCreate clear, compelling cases for why this gift matters💡 Step 4: Cultivate with PurposeEvery interaction should move the donor closer to the askUse personalized, high-touch engagement (events, site tours, board meetings, peer-to-peer connections)🤝 Step 5: Get Permission to AskBefore you end any donor meeting, secure the next stepExample: “Next time we meet, I’d love to talk to you about a significant financial commitment. Would that be okay?”💰 Step 6: Make the AskBe specific: “Would you consider a leadership gift of $100,000 to make X program possible?”Then, STOP TALKING. Let the donor think & respond—don’t rush to fill the silence!🎉 Step 7: Steward the Gift Like a ProCall the donor the next day to celebrate their commitmentKeep them updated as their gift makes an impact (this sets up their next big gift!)Resources & Links:📌 FREE 7-Figure Fundraising Success Method Webinar – Take the 30-minute audit & see if you’re ready for six-figure gifts 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen Website: www.heyfundraiser.com YouTube: @heyfundraisers Instagram: @heyfundraiser LinkedIn: Mary Petersen Email: [email protected] 🎯 Ready to Level Up Your Donor Meetings? If you’re tired of leaving donor meetings with no gift, no timeline, and no follow-up plan, it’s time to learn the strategy that changes everything. Check out Major Donor Meeting Mastery — my signature course that shows you exactly how to create momentum in the meeting, not after it. ➡️ Learn more

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