Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Fundraising Ideas to Boost Your Nonprofit’s Success

Peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising is one of the most effective ways for nonprofits to expand their reach and increase donations. By empowering supporters to raise money on their behalf, organizations can tap into new networks, engage donors more deeply, and create lasting community involvement. 

If you’re new to P2P fundraising or simply looking for fresh ideas, this guide will explore creative and impactful ways to make the most of this fundraising strategy.

What Is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising?

Peer-to-peer fundraising is a strategy where individuals raise money on behalf of a nonprofit by reaching out to their personal networks. It typically involves:

• Supporters creating personalized fundraising pages.
• Sharing their campaign through social media, email, and word of mouth.
• Encouraging friends and family to contribute to the cause.

Unlike traditional fundraising, P2P campaigns rely on personal connections, making them highly effective in building awareness and increasing donations. And while this format can be done manually, you’ll provide your fundraisers with a better experience by choosing the right P2P platform to organize everyone’s efforts.

Top Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Ideas

1. Birthday Fundraisers

Encourage supporters to turn their birthdays into an opportunity to give back by setting up a birthday fundraiser. Instead of gifts, they can ask friends and family to donate to a cause they care about. Facebook Fundraisers make this easy by allowing users to create campaigns directly on the platform.

2. Virtual Fitness Challenges

Host a virtual fitness challenge where participants commit to running, walking, cycling, or completing another physical activity over a set period. Fundraisers can track their progress and ask friends to sponsor them per mile or workout completed. Popular variations include:

• 5K or 10K challenges – Participants complete the distance at their own pace.
• Step challenges – Individuals aim for a step goal over a month.
• Plank or push-up challenges – A fun way to engage fitness enthusiasts.

3. Social Media Fundraising Challenges

A viral social media challenge can spread awareness quickly and generate significant donations. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge is a classic example. Create a unique challenge related to your cause and encourage supporters to participate, share their experiences, and tag friends to join.

4. DIY Fundraising Events

Allow supporters to organize their own events, such as:

• Bake sales – Encourage fundraisers to sell homemade goods to raise money.
• Trivia nights – Virtual or in-person events where entry fees go toward the cause.
• Game tournaments – Board games, video games, or poker nights can bring people together for a fun competition with a charitable goal.

5. Live Streaming for Good

Gamers, artists, and influencers can leverage live streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Live to raise money in real-time. They can engage their audience through:

• Gaming marathons – Play for a set number of hours while accepting donations.
• Creative streams – Artists, musicians, or crafters showcase their work while raising funds.
• Q&A or storytelling sessions – Nonprofit leaders or beneficiaries share their experiences to inspire giving.

6. Peer-to-Peer Walkathons and Races

Traditional fundraising walks or runs remain popular. Participants sign up, set fundraising goals, and seek sponsorships from friends and family. To make it more inclusive, consider virtual options where people can participate from anywhere.

by Joshua J. Cotten, Unsplash

7. Workplace Giving Challenges

Encourage employees to fundraise as a team, with departments or companies competing to raise the most money. Employers can boost engagement by offering donation matching, rewards, or an extra day off for top fundraisers.

8. School-Based Fundraisers

Students can be powerful fundraisers. Schools can organize:

• Read-a-thons – Students commit to reading a certain number of books/pages and collect pledges.
• Penny wars – Classrooms compete to collect the most spare change.
• Talent shows – Entry fees and donations go toward the nonprofit’s mission.

9. Holiday and Seasonal Campaigns

Leverage the giving spirit around major holidays by organizing P2P fundraising campaigns. Ideas include:

• Giving Tuesday peer fundraisers – Encourage supporters to launch their own Giving Tuesday campaigns.
• Valentine’s Day dedications – People donate in honor of a loved one.
• Holiday gift-matching campaigns – Partner with businesses to double donations.

10. Crowdfunding with a Personal Touch

Empower supporters to tell their stories by setting up personal crowdfunding pages linked to your nonprofit’s main campaign. Encourage fundraisers to explain why they care about the cause, share updates, and use multimedia to engage donors.

How to Make Your Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaign Successful

1. Provide Fundraisers with the Right Tools

Set supporters up for success by providing:

• A step-by-step guide on how to set up their fundraising pages.
• Sample social media posts and email templates.
• High-quality images, videos, and branding materials.

2. Offer Incentives and Recognition

Motivate fundraisers by offering:

• Merchandise rewards – T-shirts, stickers, or exclusive swag for top fundraisers.
• Leaderboards – Friendly competition can drive engagement.
• Public recognition – Acknowledge fundraisers on social media or at events.

3. Set Clear Goals and Milestones

Help fundraisers stay motivated by setting:

• Personal fundraising goals – Encourage each participant to set realistic targets.
• Overall campaign milestones – Celebrate when major funding benchmarks are reached.

4. Engage with Supporters Regularly

Keep fundraisers engaged by:

• Sending weekly updates and encouragement.
• Sharing impact stories that highlight why their efforts matter.
• Offering real-time support for any technical or fundraising questions.

5. Leverage Matching Gifts

Encourage corporate partners or major donors to match contributions, doubling the impact of each donation. Matching gifts can incentivize more giving and increase participation.

Final Thoughts

Peer-to-peer fundraising is a powerful way to expand your nonprofit’s reach and engage a wider network of donors. By empowering supporters to become advocates, you not only raise more funds but also strengthen relationships with your community.

With creative ideas, strong supporter engagement, and the right tools, your nonprofit can run successful P2P campaigns that drive real impact. Whether through birthday fundraisers, fitness challenges, or social media campaigns, there are countless ways to inspire your supporters to give and fundraise on your behalf. Start planning your next P2P campaign today and watch your community come together to support your mission!