The P2P Soapbox

As many P2P programs strive to expand, organizations often grapple with a core question: should they focus resources on deepening engagement with current supporters or invest in acquiring new ones?  The answer isn’t always one strategy over the other—it’s important to consider your mission’s scope. For causes that directly impact millions, investing in participant acquisition can also help drive b...

Have you ever stopped to question if your fundraising messaging is ethical? Despite our best intentions as professional fundraisers, it is crucial for us to recognize that certain traditional fundraising methods no longer hold up under scrutiny in 2023.  In our efforts to showcase the serious need for donations with often sad, evocative imagery, we run the risk of contributing to a negative stereo...

One of the most pressing questions facing the peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising industry is, "How do we better engage the next generation of fundraisers?" With each generational shift, it can be daunting to understand the motivations of the emerging group and adapt to their preferences. Gen Z and young Millennials, now aged 12 to 30, are no exception. Their expectations for transparency, community an...

Champions of the peer-to-peer industry understand that P2P events go far beyond just fundraising, raising awareness or building community. For those directly affected by our causes, these events can provide a powerful outlet for emotional healing—a meaningful way to take action, mourn, celebrate and feel less isolated in their struggles. However, this critical component can often be overshadowed b...

Expanding your peer-to-peer (P2P) portfolio is vital for long-term growth and sustainability. By diversifying P2P revenue streams, you can not only raise more funds but also attract new supporters, foster a more inclusive community, and reduce financial risk. The challenge often lies in determining the right timing and approach for expansion. Is your organization seeking to engage a specific audie...

It's no exaggeration to say that livestreaming and influencer marketing have revolutionized both the entertainment industry and consumer behavior. With the advent of new technologies and the rise of content creators, many nonprofits are grappling with how to integrate these innovations into their fundraising efforts. While content creators present an exciting opportunity to reach new audiences for...

As peer-to-peer leaders, we dedicate considerable effort to planning events, building resources, and crafting communications—all aimed at inspiring our constituents to fundraise. Our systems are designed to facilitate mass participation. But what happens when an individual reaches out with their own ambitious fundraising goals, seeking to go above and beyond for your cause? If we handle these “lig...

Long before nonprofit organizations had local offices and national program leads, peer-to-peer fundraising thrived through the dedication of volunteer leaders passionate about raising money for causes they loved. While volunteer management remains a critical strategy for the success of our events, it is often an elusive task for many organizations. Identifying the right people, placing them in sui...

Those of us deeply entrenched in the world of peer-to-peer fundraising have long recognized that one of the greatest strengths of our events and campaigns lies within the sense of community and shared experiences we create for our supporters. However, in an increasingly data-driven environment, quantifying the return on investment (ROI) for cultivating these relationships and creating impactful mi...

Being a leader in the peer-to-peer world can feel like a whirlwind of demands. Stay relevant. Innovate. Stick to the fundamentals. Explore new revenue streams. Prioritize effectively. Cultivate meaningful relationships. It’s a lot to juggle and can leave even the most seasoned leader feeling a bit dizzy. In the midst of this whirlwind, it’s crucial not to lose sight of our "why" - the reason we em...

In the world of peer-to-peer fundraising, endurance events present a distinct set of challenges and opportunities. These events typically entail a much longer engagement window, offering both the chance to cultivate enduring relationships with participants and the hurdle of sustaining their involvement over an extended period of time. For many participants, the commitment required—both physically...

It seems obvious that peer-to-peer fundraising events would be designed with the organization's missions in mind.   However, amidst the critical logistics decisions, competing messaging priorities and the influence of multiple stakeholders, prioritizing a mission-centric approach can inadvertently take a back seat. In this episode, Cure SMA ’s Jesse Aynes & Kyle Houlihan join P2PPF’s Marcie Ma...

At its core, peer-to-peer fundraising is built on relationship-building and community - it’s all about the people. And at the same time, the most successful fundraising campaigns are equally driven by the numbers. With hundreds of events, thousands of participants and an extensive supporter base, even minor adjustments can have an exponential impact, meaning it is critical to understand your key p...

At the 2024 Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum conference in Philadephia, we unveiled the P2P Fundraising Top 30 programs for both the U.S. and Canada. This study compiled data from  134 programs, making it the largest P2P study ever.  In this special solo episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell digs into the newly unveiled 2023 Top 30, highlighting top success stories, key benchmarks, and trends to watch fo...

In the realm of peer-to-peer fundraising, DIY campaigns often receive less attention and investment compared to more traditional programs. The term "Do It Yourself" fundraising may suggest a hands-off approach to organizers. However, this misconception overlooks a significant opportunity. Frequently, individuals who initiate their own fundraising events exhibit even greater passion and personal in...

One of the most common refrains that echoes through the world of peer-to-peer fundraising is that our friends in Marketing just don’t understand the world of Development.  (And it’s pretty easy to assume that the sentiment cuts both ways.) However, with the evolving landscape of revenue goals, shifting supporter expectations and advancements in technology, this challenge presents a huge opportunit...

As professional fundraisers, we often find ourselves playing the role of the “proud beggar”, grateful for every donation we receive, no matter the size. While that is a worthy and admirable approach, it can do a disservice to our participants and to the missions we champion. Our peer-to-peer participants aren’t just signing up to walk or ride or run - they are signing up to raise funds in support...

Seasoned P2P fundraisers, especially those working in the world of in-person events, recognize the tremendous significance of a highly engaged and goal-oriented volunteer committee. These dedicated individuals play a pivotal role in recruiting our teams, fostering connections with sponsors, and assisting in the seamless execution of event day logistics. However, when it comes to digital-first P2P...

Do you ever find that your relationships with your peer-to-peer fundraisers seem to be a one-way street? As dedicated P2P professionals, we invest substantial effort in crafting the perfect email messages, texts, and social media posts to motivate our fundraisers to take action. But how often do we take the time to truly understand why they are passionate about fundraising in the first place? In a...

It can often feel like all peer-to-peer fundraising professionals are cut from the same cloth—hardworking, goal-oriented, outgoing and passionate about making a positive impact on the world. However, the truth is that our industry boasts a diverse array of individuals with distinct backgrounds, strengths and connections to our missions. P2P fundraising undeniably thrives on community. The most suc...

In 2023, leading nonprofit organizations are undertaking the essential and challenging task of scrutinizing their operational strategies through the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) lens. Big questions remain, particularly regarding racial equity and its intersection with the missions we champion, the positions we advocate, the donors we prioritize, and even the composition of our...

At many nonprofit organizations, peer-to-peer fundraising programs and corporate partnerships live on separate teams with different goals and often competing priorities.  However, there is a clear connection between the two.  Not only can a peer-to-peer fundraising program serve as an entry point for a new corporate partner, it can also be a great way to deepen relationships with existing corporat...

In recent years, customer expectations have rapidly evolved. We've shifted from traditional grocery shopping to curbside pick-up, in-person doctor's visits to telehealth appointments, and gym memberships to home fitness setups.  What we wanted as customers just a few years ago is not what we want now. The same can be said for our P2P participants - our “customers.” What they needed and expected fr...

I love to ask people, “What’s the best event you’ve ever attended? And why?” Was it your best friend’s wedding because you knew everyone there?   Was it a baby shower because everyone was there for the same reason - to help the new parents prepare for their next chapter?  Was it an amazing concert because the community had taken on a life of its own with costumes and bracelets and dancing?  Most o...

There is no one-size-fits-all formula for peer-to-peer fundraising events. The most successful programs excel in different ways, some by engaging corporate teams, others by involving family and community teams. While some programs consist of numerous smaller events, others focus on a select number of large-scale events. The revenue sources also vary, with some programs heavily reliant on sponsorsh...