What is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising?
Peer-to-peer fundraising, commonly known as P2P fundraising, is a powerful way for nonprofits to grow their reach by empowering supporters to raise money and rally others around a cause.
Instead of a nonprofit making every ask or invitation directly, P2P puts people at the center. Participants reach out to their friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and communities, inviting them to donate, join a team, take part in an event, or get involved in other ways.
That person-to-person connection creates a ripple effect. One supporter can introduce an entire network of people to a cause, including many who may have had no previous connection to the organization.
At its heart, P2P fundraising is people inviting people to join them in supporting a cause they care about.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Comes in Many Forms
P2P fundraising takes many shapes and sizes, from thousands of people gathering for a signature walk, a marathon, or a 60-mile bike race, to one supporter starting a birthday fundraiser from their phone.
Here are some of the most common ways nonprofits and their communities bring P2P fundraising to life.
Walks, Cycling Events & Endurance Races
Event-based fundraising is one of the most recognized forms of P2P. Participants raise money while preparing for and taking part in a walk, run, ride, or other in-person event.
Sometimes the nonprofit hosts the event. Other times, an organization recruits a team of supporters to participate and fundraise through a third-party event.
DIY, “Fundraise Your Way” & Tribute Campaigns
DIY fundraising gives supporters the freedom to raise money whenever, wherever, and however they choose.
Supporters turn their own ideas, passions, and personal moments into opportunities to make an impact, whether hosting an event, taking on a challenge, celebrating a milestone, or raising money in honor or memory of a loved one.
Competition Events & Ambassador Fundraising
Competition fundraising invites a select group of supporters to rally their networks and compete to raise the most for a cause.
Campaigns often culminate in a social event celebrating participants and recognizing top fundraisers.
School Fundraisers & Corporate Campaigns
Schools, companies, and other groups can create P2P campaigns tailored to their unique communities and cultures.
With built-in relationships, teams, and communication channels, these groups can rally people around a shared goal and create meaningful opportunities for fundraising and engagement.
Digital-First Campaigns & Virtual Events
P2P fundraising doesn’t have to center around a physical event.
Digital-first campaigns or virtual events empower people to use social media, video, gaming, livestreaming, and other online communities to raise funds by inviting friends, followers, and viewers to support a cause via the digital spaces where they already connect.
What Makes Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Different?
The format may change, but the idea at the heart of P2P remains the same: people use their relationships, stories, and communities to move a mission forward.
That creates something nonprofits can’t build through organizational communications alone. Each participant brings their own voice and personal connection to the cause and network of potential supporters.
Whether someone walks a 5K, streams a game, celebrates a birthday, rallies their coworkers, or creates an entirely new way to fundraise, they become more than a donor.
They become a fundraiser, an advocate, and an active part of the mission.