The nonprofit world has long debated transactional versus transformational giving, but what if they can work hand in hand, especially in peer-to-peer fundraising?

Consider the power of specific asks: “$75 to cover a therapy session,” “$200 to fund a week of meals for a family,” or “$500 to cover airfare for a patient traveling for treatment.” These tangible amounts create an immediate connection and urgency that resonates deeply.

If P2P campaigns serve as the front porch to our organizations, many supporters are engaging us for the first time. Meaningful goals for their initial fundraising efforts become perfect stepping stones to deeper involvement.

In today’s crowdfunding landscape, donors expect immediate impact. They want to know exactly where their money goes and who it helps. With program funding facing cuts, these direct appeals become powerful gap-fillers while giving participants easier ways to make their asks.

When supporters see their $50 gift or $500 fundraising goal directly impact a child or family, something remarkable happens. They experience genuine connection, empowerment and purpose – witnessing their difference firsthand.

And that is transformational.