{"id":21031,"date":"2021-08-16T06:08:27","date_gmt":"2021-08-16T13:08:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/?p=21031"},"modified":"2026-10-08T07:43:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T14:43:21","slug":"peer-to-peer-fundraising","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/peer-to-peer-fundraising","title":{"rendered":"Peer-to-Peer Fundraising 101 | The Ultimate Nonprofit Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

America’s top 30 peer-to-peer fundraising programs raised $1.17 billion<\/a> in 2025. Peer-to-peer fundraising can be a lucrative online fundraising method that helps increase supporter participation while maximizing your impact.<\/p>\n

However, a successful P2P fundraising campaign requires careful planning and the right peer-to-peer fundraising software<\/a> to enable success.<\/p>\n

In this article, I’ll explain how to run a successful peer-to-peer fundraising campaign. I’ll also share tips, best practices, and top platforms to increase support for your mission.<\/a><\/p>\n

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Benefits of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising<\/h2>\n

The biggest benefit of peer-to-peer or team fundraising is the level of impact<\/a> it can have. Peer-to-peer fundraising helps you:<\/p>\n

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  1. Increase organizational awareness<\/li>\n
  2. Reach further networks<\/li>\n
  3. Raise more and meet your revenue goal<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Acquire new donors<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Increase donor and volunteer<\/a> engagement<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Peer-to-peer fundraising mostly relies on strong relationships and passion. Leverage a user-friendly fundraising platform<\/a> to make fundraising effortless for you and your supporters.<\/a><\/p>\n

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    What are the 3 Types of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaigns?<\/h2>\n

    Not every peer-to-peer fundraising campaign is the same. Here’s a breakdown of the three different peer-to-peer campaign types to ensure the one you choose aligns with your fundraising goals and audience<\/a> type.<\/p>\n

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    1. Ongoing\/rolling campaigns<\/h3>\n

    Ongoing\/rolling peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns have no deadline and enable self-motivated fundraisers to fundraise for you at any time of the year.<\/p>\n

    These evergreen campaigns enable fundraisers to control the activity and timing of campaigns. Create programs that align with your fundraisers’ interests to inspire support and include a button that encourages them to click and customize their own campaigns.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    See how this campaign by Maya’s Hope<\/a> has a button at the top to encourage visitors to fundraise for the cause by creating their own fundraising pages.<\/p>\n

    \"Screenshot<\/a><\/p>\n

    Create a Peer-to-Peer Campaign with Donorbox<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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    2. Time-bound campaigns<\/h3>\n

    Time-specific campaigns are spread over a few weeks or months and have a set end date to create a sense of urgency. Participants help you fundraise up until the day of your event<\/a> or the specified deadline.<\/p>\n

    Time-bound campaigns are sometimes tied to events like galas<\/a> or a-thons.<\/p>\n

    These campaigns rely on creating an exciting beginning to build momentum. Your nonprofit should check in with fundraisers mid-way through your campaign to keep them engaged. Acknowledge their efforts and provide updates once your campaign has ended.<\/p>\n

    Here’s an example<\/a> of a time-bound campaign:<\/p>\n

    \"Screenshot<\/p>\n

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    3. Giving days<\/h3>\n

    Giving days like Giving Tuesday<\/a> are ambitious, fast-paced 24-hour campaigns that rely on urgency and social participation to meet fundraising goals. They can be incredibly successful if your organization loves a challenge.<\/p>\n

    Provide a substantial amount of education and awareness beforehand, so participants are ready and eager when the day comes.<\/a><\/p>\n

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    How to Create a Successful Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaign<\/h2>\n

    Now, let’s look at the five-step process to establishing a successful peer-to-peer campaign.<\/p>\n

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    1. Get organized and determine your goal<\/h3>\n

    Decide on your event and who will take the lead. Now is also the time to set a smart fundraising goal<\/a> that aligns with your mission and makes it easy to track campaign success.<\/p>\n

    By ironing out all the details in advance, you’ll manage stress levels internally and build trust with your fundraisers.<\/p>\n

    Pro tip:<\/strong> While planning your event, consider the other ways<\/a> you’ll be fundraising throughout the year. This ensures you inform potential donor fundraisers, choose the best volunteer fundraisers, encourage participation within your network, and build excitement.<\/a><\/p>\n

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    2. Choose peer-to-peer fundraising software<\/h3>\n

    A solid peer-to-peer fundraising platform<\/a> offers the flexibility to be creative in your fundraising efforts. Look for one that offers great support for short- and long-term campaigns. It should also let fundraisers set up customizable fundraising pages with minimal hassle.<\/p>\n

    For example, check out this customized peer fundraising campaign<\/a> created with Donorbox.<\/p>\n

    \"Screenshot<\/a><\/p>\n

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    3. Recruit and engage your fundraisers<\/h3>\n

    Prioritize recruiting your most passionate and well-connected supporters to fundraise for you. They’ll be more motivated to advocate for your cause and help you achieve your fundraising goal.<\/p>\n

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    • Schedule time to inform participants, allow for questions, and reinforce your mission<\/a>.<\/li>\n
    • Compile and distribute the tools<\/a> your fundraisers will need to accomplish the goals.<\/li>\n
    • Take time to train participants on the peer fundraising platform you\u2019ve chosen to minimize confusion later on.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      The resources you provide could be anything from a simple customizable email<\/a> template to a package of materials for hosting their own event. Equipping fundraisers with ready-to-use assets will reduce friction and increase fundraising success! <\/a><\/p>\n

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      4. Remind participants of the goal<\/h3>\n

      With fun events or active challenges on the horizon, sometimes the true purpose can get lost. Remind everyone involved what they are working towards.<\/p>\n

      Reiterate your organization\u2019s story and include it on all materials \u2013 handouts, speeches, and especially landing\/donation pages<\/a>.<\/a><\/p>\n

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      5. Keep the momentum going<\/h3>\n

      Minimize campaign drop-off by posting updates and incentivizing fundraisers mid-way through your campaign. Share milestone updates and recognize leading fundraisers via email.<\/p>\n

      You could even consider putting up a prize to maintain engagement and keep the momentum going.<\/p>\n

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      Additional tips to maximize peer-to-peer fundraising success<\/h3>\n

      Tune in as Jena Lynch<\/a>, Head of Community Engagement at Donorbox, shares how to create a successful peer-to-peer fundraising campaign with Chris Hammond<\/a> and Brittany LaGanke<\/a> from Corporate Giving Connection.<\/p>\n