Successful Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
How to Run a Successful Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaign
Peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising is one of the most effective ways for nonprofits to amplify their reach and raise more funds. By empowering supporters to create their own fundraising pages and solicit donations from friends, family, and colleagues, organizations can leverage social proof and expand their donor base.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to running a successful peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, along with best practices to maximize your impact.
Table of Contents
- What is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising?
- Steps to Launching a Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaign
- Real-Life Examples of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Success
- Final Thoughts
What is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising?
Peer-to-peer fundraising is a strategy where nonprofits enable their supporters to fundraise on their behalf. Instead of relying solely on direct donations, nonprofits encourage individuals to create personal fundraising pages, share their stories, and solicit contributions from their network.
This model is popular for:
- Giving Tuesday campaigns
- Walkathons and marathons
- Birthday and tribute fundraisers
- Virtual fundraising challenges
It is a powerful tool for nonprofits supporting survivors of domestic violence, as it enables advocates and allies to mobilize their own communities in support of the cause.
Steps to Launching a Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaign
Set a Clear Goal
Define your fundraising goal and communicate why this campaign matters. Whether you’re raising money for emergency shelter, legal aid, or digital training for survivors, ensure that your fundraisers understand the impact of their contributions.
Example: “Our goal is to raise $50,000 to provide digital skills training for 100 survivors of domestic violence. Every $500 raised equips one woman with the tools she needs to rebuild her independence.”
Choose the Right Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Platform
Select a user-friendly fundraising platform that allows supporters to create and customize their own fundraising pages. Popular platforms include:
- Classy – Ideal for nonprofits running large-scale peer-to-peer campaigns
- GoFundMe Charity – A simple and widely used option for individual and nonprofit fundraisers
- Givebutter – Offers live-streaming features and integrates with Venmo
- Mightycause – Affordable and designed for mission-driven campaigns
Recruit Your Fundraisers
Your success depends on the enthusiasm and outreach of your supporters. Encourage participation by:
- Reaching out to loyal donors, board members, and volunteers
- Creating an easy sign-up process
- Offering an incentive for top fundraisers, such as recognition, exclusive event access, or a small prize
A well-connected ambassador, such as a survivor advocate, local influencer, or community leader, can help mobilize their network and inspire more people to join the campaign.
Provide Fundraising Toolkits
Not everyone knows how to fundraise, so equip your supporters with the tools they need:
- A step-by-step guide on setting up their fundraising page
- Pre-written social media posts and emails they can personalize
- Impactful storytelling tips to help them explain why they care
Example: “Every survivor deserves a second chance. Join me in raising $1,000 to help survivors rebuild their lives! Donate here: [insert link]”
Engage and Motivate Fundraisers
Keep fundraisers engaged and excited throughout the campaign:
- Send regular updates on campaign progress
- Feature top fundraisers in social media shoutouts or leaderboards
- Host virtual check-ins or Q&A sessions to keep momentum going
Using a gamification strategy (such as fundraising challenges, team competitions, or milestone badges) can boost motivation.
Leverage Social Media and Email Marketing
Encourage fundraisers to share their pages across multiple platforms:
- Instagram and TikTok – Use short videos and reels to tell compelling stories
- Facebook and LinkedIn – Engage supporters through personal stories and impact posts
- Twitter/X – Use trending hashtags like #FundraisingForGood and #P2PFundraising to gain visibility
Provide email templates so fundraisers can easily reach out to their network. Example:
Subject Line: “I’m fundraising for [Nonprofit Name] – Can you help?”
Email Body:
“Hey [Name],
I’m supporting [Nonprofit Name] because [personal reason]. I’ve set a goal to raise [$X] to help survivors of domestic violence gain financial independence. Will you help me reach my goal? Every dollar makes a difference. You can donate here: [insert link]
Thank you so much for your support!
[Your Name]”
Show Gratitude and Celebrate Success
Once the campaign ends, make sure to:
- Thank your fundraisers personally with emails, calls, or social media shoutouts
- Share the final results with impact stories, showing how funds will be used
- Host a virtual appreciation event to recognize top fundraisers and supporters
Example: “Because of your incredible support, we raised $60,000—enough to provide job training for 120 survivors! Thank you for making a difference!”
Real-Life Examples of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Success
- RAINN’s #SpeakSafe Campaign – The anti-sexual violence nonprofit mobilized supporters to raise funds for their crisis hotline services
- The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life – A successful P2P event where teams raise money for cancer research and patient care
- A Safe Place’s Survivor-Led Fundraiser – A domestic violence nonprofit enabled survivors to share their own stories and raise funds for transitional housing
Final Thoughts
Peer-to-peer fundraising is a powerful way to engage supporters, expand your reach, and raise critical funds for your nonprofit. By choosing the right platform, equipping fundraisers with the right tools, and leveraging digital marketing, you can run a highly successful P2P campaign.
Ready to boost your nonprofit’s digital fundraising? Let RJ’s Digital Solutions help you create a winning strategy. Contact us today to get started.
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