We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits 661. Working Session: Closing Major Gifts with Courage with Julie Ordoñez
If you need to close major gifts in the next five weeks, this Working Session is your new game plan. We brought in major gifts coach and CourageLab founder Julie Ordoñez to break down exactly who to ask, what to say, and how to step into these conversations with more courage, clarity, and conviction—especially during giving season.
Top 3 Takeaways:
- Focus Beats Frenzy: Stop trying to reach everyone. Warm prospects—the people who’ve expressed support, encouragement, or interest in the last 3–6 months are the ones most primed to say yes right now.
- Courage Isn’t a Feeling, It’s an Action: Planning isn’t the work. Asking is. Discomfort is normal - and moving through it is the path to major gifts.
- Ask for More, With Less Guesswork: Vague asks create homework for donors. Clear, specific asks make giving easier and speed up decisions. When in doubt, ask for more than feels comfortable—and let humility guide the conversation.
You'll leave this session with practical mindset shifts and scripts you need to move relationships forward today.
Let’s get to work.
Episode Highlights
- How to Identify Your Warm Prospects (01:29)
- Engaging Raving Fans and Supporters (05:38)
- How to Build Courage to Make the Ask (09:04)
- How to Ask for a Specific Amount (12:20)
- Julie’s One Good Thing (15:26)
Episode Shownotes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/661
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