Peer-to-peer fundraising means collecting a group of your dedicated supporters and empowering them to raise funds on your organization’s behalf. Beyond simply raising money, P2P (as it’s also known) is a wonderful way to raise your nonprofit’s profile and build more connections in your community.
But peer-to-peer campaigns are also incredibly daunting. With so many moving parts, it can be hard to know where to start and what tactics, exactly, your organization and participants should employ.
That’s why we’re here to help! We’ve gathered this list of 56 peer-to-peer fundraising ideas to help you shape your next P2P campaign. Enjoy!
Check Out These 56 Awesome Peer-to-Peer Ideas
Here’s the full list of ideas we’ve assembled. These run the gamut from back-of-the-house tweaks to fundraiser incentives to big strategic swings. Enjoy!
1. Set a Bold, Specific Goal
Establishing a concrete fundraising target helps rally and unify all participants around a shared objective. Whether it’s raising $20,000 in 30 days or funding a new youth center, clarity in what you aim to achieve fosters motivation and urgency. A well-defined objective also makes it easier to measure success and celebrate milestones along the way.
2. Tell a Compelling Story
Crafting a moving narrative is critical to inspiring donors and fundraisers. Showcase real-life stories, compelling photos, or short videos that highlight the beneficiaries of your nonprofit’s work and the challenges they face. And remember, sharing the story of how your mission impacted the life of one person will always be more impactful than a statistic about how you’ve helped thousands.
3. Kickoff With a Virtual Launch Party
Start your campaign with an energizing virtual gathering to introduce the peer-to-peer initiative and provide key resources. Invite staff, volunteers, board members, and potential fundraisers to join a live video session where you share the campaign’s goals, timeline, and storytelling assets. Include interactive elements—like a short quiz or breakout discussions—to keep participants engaged and excited.
4. Engage Staff and Board Members First
Invite your internal team to be the inaugural champions of the campaign. When staff and board members lead by example, it sets the tone for the broader community and validates the cause’s importance. Their early gifts and public endorsements demonstrate confidence in the mission, encouraging others to step up.
5. Offer Personal Fundraising Pages
Providing customizable fundraising pages empowers each participant to share why your cause resonates with them. Having the freedom to upload personal photos, stories, or videos helps them connect more deeply with their donor networks. This personal touch can dramatically increase the likelihood of donations and repeat gifts as donors see the genuine passion behind each page. For maximum impact, ensure these pages are mobile-friendly and include easy donation buttons.
6. Encourage Friendly Competition
Introduce a dynamic leaderboard to spark a playful rivalry among individuals or teams. Recognize achievements like “Top Individual Fundraiser” or “Most Creative Campaign,” offering small prizes or public shoutouts. These friendly contests not only keep participants energized but also boost social sharing and, ultimately, donations. Leverage social media updates and email blasts to spotlight leaders and motivate others to keep climbing the ranks.
7. Create a “How-To” Toolkit
Delivering ready-made resources—like email templates, social media graphics, and sample fundraising copy—eases the burden on your participating fundraisers. Having these tools at their fingertips builds confidence, making it simpler for them to spread the word and secure donations. By anticipating common questions and challenges, you’ll save valuable staff time and ensure a more cohesive campaign message.
8. Make It Gamified
Gamification taps into people’s natural desire for achievement and recognition, enhancing engagement. Award digital badges or celebrate milestones—such as “First 10 Donations” or “Reached Halfway!”—to keep momentum high and fundraisers motivated. As development directors, you can track progress and share leaderboards, fostering a sense of community and excitement around shared goals.
9. Highlight Impact per Dollar
Clearly communicating how each contribution translates to tangible outcomes strengthens donor confidence. For example, specifying that “$25 provides a backpack and supplies for one student” gives supporters a vivid picture of their gift’s value. As fundraisers share these concrete examples, they reinforce the significance of even modest donations. This approach resonates particularly well with corporate and individual donors alike, as it underscores the direct impact of their generosity.
10. Incorporate Peer Recognition
Encourage fundraisers to publicly acknowledge friends, family, and colleagues who donate to their campaign. A simple shoutout on social media or a personal thank-you email can elevate donor morale and inspire continued support. Recognizing donors in real time also emphasizes the relational aspect of giving, underscoring that every contribution is valued.
11. Offer Tiered Incentives
By offering rewards at varying levels, you create excitement and a sense of achievement for fundraisers. Branded stickers or T-shirts can motivate mid-tier fundraisers, while exclusive experiences (like a private tour or meet-and-greet) can entice top performers. These incentives also build goodwill toward your organization, as participants feel recognized for their hard work.
12. Spotlight Fundraiser Stories
Shine a light on exceptional fundraisers by featuring them in social media posts, email newsletters, or on your website. Share insights into what inspired them to get involved and the strategies they used to meet (or exceed) their goals. Highlighting these success stories does more than celebrate individual achievements; it shows potential participants that results are attainable.
13. Use Milestone Celebrations
Recognize and celebrate progress at key checkpoints—25%, 50%, and 75% of your overall goal—to maintain momentum. These mini-victories offer fundraisers and donors a chance to see how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture. Host quick virtual events or send out special newsletters to mark each milestone, thanking everyone involved so far. Each celebration cultivates camaraderie, energizing your team to push onward toward the final target.
14. Create Donation Matching Challenges
Allow enthusiastic fundraisers or local businesses to match donations during a set time frame, doubling the effect of each gift. These challenges can spark a flurry of activity as supporters race to capitalize on the match. Announce progress often—through email updates or live announcements—to keep the excitement alive and encourage more participation. This approach not only boosts donations but also amplifies the sense of community and collaboration around your cause.
15. Offer Quick Start Bonuses
Motivate early engagement by offering a small reward or public recognition for those who secure a donation within the first 48 hours. This strategy kick-starts momentum and gives newcomers a measurable short-term goal. Visibility in the form of a “Quick Start Champion” badge or a social media shoutout helps fundraisers feel valued and motivated right from the start.
16. Mobile-Friendly Fundraising Tools
With an increasing number of supporters donating via smartphones, seamless mobile optimization is crucial. Design pages that load quickly, feature straightforward donation forms, and incorporate auto-fill functionality to minimize friction. Accessible, user-friendly tools show respect for your audience’s time and tech preferences, resulting in higher conversion rates. Cork or bamboo coasters are environmentally friendly and can be easily customized with your nonprofit’s logo using a stamping or laser-engraving service.
17. Set Up a DIY Fundraising Option
Give your supporters the freedom to fundraise in creative ways that align with their personal interests—like hosting bake sales, art shows, or themed parties. This flexibility empowers them to integrate charity into their daily lives and social circles. Provide guidelines and resources (like logos, mission statements, and donation instructions) to maintain brand consistency.
18. Plan a Team-Building Event
Foster camaraderie and friendly competition by encouraging participants to form teams or join existing ones. Organize virtual or in-person gatherings—such as brainstorming sessions or activity-based challenges—to build bonds and share fundraising ideas. These interactive events cultivate stronger relationships and offer a fun environment for strategizing.
19. Use Video to Make it Personal
Encourage fundraisers to film short appeals in which they share why your nonprofit’s mission resonates with them. Genuine videos showcasing personal stories and emotions can drive deeper connections than text alone. Provide tips on lighting, sound, and message length to help them create engaging clips.
20. “Invite-a-Friend” Contests
Encourage current participants to bring others on board by offering a small prize or a memorable shout-out for each successful referral. This not only expands your pool of fundraisers but also fosters a sense of community as people share campaign highlights with friends. Simple incentives—like branded merchandise or social media spotlights—can keep excitement levels high.
21. Establish Regular Check-Ins
Send out consistent weekly updates to highlight campaign progress, offer fresh fundraising tips, and announce new incentives or matches. These prompts help keep the initiative top-of-mind and motivate fundraisers who might be experiencing a lull. Tailor your messages to both active and less-engaged participants, ensuring that everyone feels supported.
22. Segment Your Supporters
Develop tailored communication streams for different audience groups—such as students, alumni, volunteers, and corporate donors—so the messaging resonates more personally. For example, alumni might be inspired by nostalgic references, while corporate teams may respond to a results-oriented approach. This targeted method also shows that you appreciate each segment’s distinct motivations and constraints.
23. Piggyback on National Awareness Days
Align your fundraiser with recognized awareness days relevant to your cause for a built-in wave of public interest. Plan social media blasts, mini-events, or donation matches on these key dates to capitalize on heightened visibility. Emphasize how your organization’s work connects to the broader movement, inviting your supporters to become part of a nationwide or global conversation.
24. Secure Early Commitments
Reach out to dedicated advocates, such as board members or devoted volunteers, for initial pledges before the campaign goes public. Having a head start on donations establishes credibility and excitement, encouraging other supporters to join. This early traction can be used as social proof during the official launch, illustrating that the campaign already has momentum.
25. Encourage Corporate Teams
Invite local businesses or large employers to form teams, tapping into their networks for broader visibility and donations. These corporate groups often bring competitive energy and can boost your fundraiser’s credibility. Offer specialized resources—like company-branded fundraising pages or lunchtime info sessions—to help them succeed. Recognizing corporate participation publicly may also lay the groundwork for longer-term partnerships.
26. Offer Time-Sensitive Challenges
Create mini fundraising sprints by offering special perks or recognition for donations received within a set timeframe. For instance, promise a personal thank-you video or social media shout-out for every donor who contributes $50 or more in a 24-hour window. This adds urgency and gives donors a tangible incentive to act quickly. Regularly cycling through these short-term challenges can keep energy high throughout your campaign.
27. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Generate buzz by hosting an online scavenger hunt themed around your cause or organization. Participants gather hints by completing small tasks—like answering trivia questions or collecting digital badges—and ask for donations to unlock the next clue. This interactive format taps into people’s sense of adventure and curiosity, making fundraising more engaging.
28. Themed Fundraising Weeks
Break your campaign into multi-day segments—each spotlighting a different angle of your cause (e.g., “Meet the Staff or “Your Support in Action”). This structure keeps content fresh, empowering fundraisers to share varied stories and resources with their networks. Regularly shift focus—like highlighting a new testimonial or crucial statistic—to sustain interest and spark renewed giving.
29. Run a Mini-Auction
Partner with local businesses and generous donors to gather items or experiences for a short, high-impact auction. Encourage your peer fundraisers to promote it among their circles, driving healthy bidding wars toboost donations. Use social media or text-based platforms for real-time updates, celebrating top bids, and encouraging others to join the action. This hands-on approach can energize your supporters and remind them of the tangible rewards their generosity makes possible.
30. Influencer Partnerships
Connect with local or niche social media personalities who genuinely support your mission and can introduce you to new donor circles. Providing them with a personalized fundraising page amplifies their reach andcreates a sense of ownership in your campaign. Remember to supply them with compelling, visually engaging materials to share, as well as story-driven talking points. Regular check-ins and mutual promotion can help maintain momentum and boost overall donations.
31. Personalized Thank-You Videos
Go beyond the standard email receipt by sending short, heartfelt video messages to donors. Whether filmed by staff members, volunteers, or beneficiaries, these videos provide a deeper sense of connection and gratitude. Personal touches—like calling donors by name or mentioning their specific donation amount—can leave a lasting impression.
32. Accessible Resources in Multiple Languages
If you serve multicultural or multilingual communities, ensure that all your key materials—flyers, donation forms, and toolkits—are translated into relevant languages. This inclusive approach increases your reach and boosts campaign participation. Make it easy for fundraisers to share these resources within their own networks and foster community-wide engagement.
33. Trackable Social Media Graphics
Provide fundraisers with branded, ready-to-post images that include a unique link or QR code, so you can monitor traffic and conversions. Eye-catching visuals simplify the promotional process, letting participants focus on storytelling and networking. Regularly update designs to reflect campaign milestones or special matching opportunities, keeping the content fresh. Tracking performance analytics helps you fine-tune your approach and measure what resonates best with donors.
34. Poll Fundraisers for New Ideas
Create short surveys or social media polls asking your fundraisers for their insights on events, incentives, or campaign tweaks. This interactive process not only produces innovative suggestions but also empowers participants to shape the fundraising experience. Implementing standout ideas and publicly crediting the contributors can further strengthen engagement.
35. Host a Kickoff “Snack & Chat”
Invite supporters to a casual, in-person meetup or a virtual coffee break where you can walk them through campaign objectives and resources. This open forum encourages networking, resource-sharing, and real-time Q&A, setting the stage for a cohesive launch. Provide light refreshments or a fun digital backdrop to give it a welcoming vibe.
36. Shared Fundraising Calendar
Provide a clear timeline of critical dates—like campaign launches, mid-point pushes, and final closing events—so fundraisers can map out their outreach efforts. This transparency empowers participants to plan their email sends, social media posts, and in-person appeals effectively. A well-structured timeline keeps everyone on the same page and promotes better coordination.
37. Summer or Holiday Challenges
Structure your peer-to-peer efforts around popular seasonal themes—like a summer fitness challenge or a holiday giving campaign—to keep engagement lively. Seasonal frameworks often resonate with people’s existing plans and routines, making it easier to weave fundraising into their daily lives. Offer creative incentives (such as holiday-themed merchandise or end-of-summer event tickets) to motivate participants.
38. “Share Why You Care” Contest
Encourage participants to post a personal story, photo, or short video on social media explaining their motivation for supporting your cause. Award a prize or public acknowledgment for the most compelling or creative post to ignite healthy competition. These real-life testimonials resonate powerfully, showing prospective donors how your mission impacts individuals on a personal level. Amplify standout entries on your official channels to thank participants and inspire others to join in.
39. Create Giving Levels with Fun Names
Move beyond standard donation tiers by branding each level with appealing, mission-aligned names like “Hero,” “Champion,” or “Visionary.” This approach makes giving more interactive and personal, helping donors feel like part of a special group. Use brief descriptions to illustrate what each giving level accomplishes so contributors know how their funds make a difference.
40. Digital Badges for Donors
Offering donors a shareable digital badge or certificate adds an element of pride and recognition to their contribution. These badges can include fun designs or personalized messages that highlight their specific level of support. Donors can post them on social media, increasing visibility for your campaign and potentially inspiring others to give. Plus, digital rewards are cost-effective and easy to distribute, making them ideal for nonprofits of any size.
41. Local Media Outreach
Don’t overlook the power of community news sources—pitch a unique angle on your campaign to local newspapers, radio stations, and bloggers. Personal success stories or compelling visuals can help your pitch stand out, leading to more coverage and local support. Providing shareable stats or human-interest stories underscores the relevance of your mission in the community. This exposure can help recruit new fundraisers, attract more donors, and enhance your nonprofit’s reputation.
42. One-Day Flash Fundraising Drive
Supercharge donations by dedicating 24 hours to nonstop fundraising. Tease the event beforehand, then announce “power hours” or donation matches to amplify excitement. This time-bound approach provides a sense of urgency that can break through donation hesitation and boost participation. Keep donors and fundraisers updated throughout the day with real-time progress and testimonials to maintain momentum.
43. Allow Offline Donations
Offer multiple avenues for giving—checks, cash, or phone pledges—to accommodate supporters who prefer not to donate digitally. Ensuring these donations appear on personal and team fundraising pages honors each participant’s effort. Logging offline contributions builds trust by showing full transparency in campaign totals.
44. Volunteer Match
In addition to monetary gifts, invite supporters to commit a certain number of volunteer hours that others can match or sponsor. This structure expands engagement beyond donors, inviting people who prefer active involvement. Volunteer matches also strengthen the bond between the nonprofit and its supporters, fostering a community of hands-on service.
45. “Birthday for a Cause” Program
Encourage supporters to donate their special day by asking friends and family to contribute to your organization instead of giving gifts. Provide a customizable fundraising page or toolkit so they can easily share why they’ve chosen to support your cause. It’s a simple yet impactful way for individuals to celebrate while making a meaningful contribution.
46. Personalize All Communications
Use donor or fundraiser names in emails, mention their past contributions, and celebrate unique milestones to make your outreach feel individual and genuine. Segment your lists based on each supporter’s history, interests, or volunteer activities for more targeted messaging. These efforts show that you value each person’s relationship with the organization, leading to stronger, more lasting connections. Automated tools can help you execute these tailored communications efficiently.
47. CEO or Executive Challenge
Announce a high-profile challenge—like an executive shaving their head or completing a dare—if a lofty donation goal is reached. This lighthearted spectacle can draw significant attention, motivating participants to push harder for that big finish. Capture photos or videos and share them widely to reward donors for hitting the target and show the leadership team’s commitment. It’s a memorable way to humanize your organization and keep supporters engaged.
48. Schedule Updates at Key Milestones
Motivate participants to post progress updates whenever they hit 10%, 50%, or another meaningful target of their overall goal. Regular milestones keep the campaign top-of-mind for fundraisers, donors, and potential supporters. Sharing these successes not only celebrates achievement but also encourages donors who may be waiting on the sidelines. Quick announcements or social media posts can drive fresh attention and additional gifts toward the final goal.
49. Encourage Peer Coaching
Pair new or less-confident fundraisers with seasoned supporters who can share proven strategies and motivational tips. This mentorship approach nurtures a supportive environment where novices quickly learn best practices and avoid common pitfalls. Regular check-ins between coaching pairs can drive accountability and steady progress. Empowering volunteers to help each other ultimately strengthens the entire peer-to-peer program.
50. Create Mini-Events
Empower fundraisers to host small-scale gatherings—like trivia nights, house parties, or craft sessions—that double as donation drives. Such events build community and bring fresh energy to the campaign, drawing in people who might not have donated otherwise. Support your fundraisers by providing branding tools, event ideas, and easy donation collection methods. Each mini-event, whether in-person or virtual, adds a personal, memorable touch to fundraising efforts.
51. Launch a Countdown to Campaign Close
Elevate urgency and excitement during the final stretch of your fundraiser by promoting daily updates. Use email, social media, or live broadcasts to share remaining totals, highlight last-minute matching gifts, and recognize top fundraisers. This countdown approach prompts procrastinators to donate, helping you cross the finish line strong by rallying supporters around a shared sense of accomplishment.
52. Survey Participants Post-Campaign
After the fundraiser concludes, gather feedback on what aspects inspired donors, which tools were most helpful, and what could be improved. This can be as simple as a brief online survey asking for insights or suggestions for future campaigns. Incorporate key takeaways to fine-tune your next peer-to-peer initiative.
53. Tiered Coaching Emails
Segment your fundraisers based on their experience and fundraising results, tailoring email tips to each group’s needs. High achievers might appreciate advanced strategies and deeper campaign data, while newcomers thrive with more basic guidance and motivational support. This approach ensures everyone receives information that’s relevant and impactful, helping them reach (and exceed) their personal goals.
54. Allow Teams to Set Their Own Stretch Goals
Encourage each team to define an additional “stretch goal” once they’re close to achieving their initial target. This extension keeps momentum alive and builds a sense of friendly ambition within your fundraiser community. Offer incentives or recognition for hitting these extra milestones to reinforce their importance. By letting teams decide on these goals, you spark creativity and empower them to aim higher.
55. Celebrate Progress in Real-Time
Give your campaign a sense of immediacy by sharing live updates as donations come in. Host periodic livestreams or post social media stories to spotlight top performers, major gifts, and inspiring donor quotes. These on-the-spot celebrations energize participants and show donors their gifts matter right away. Real-time engagement also encourages viewers to jump in with their own contributions to keep the momentum going.
56. Publicly Thank All Fundraisers and Donors
Wrap up your campaign by spotlighting the generous efforts of every participant, regardless of their final tally. This collective acknowledgment can take the form of an email blast, a social media post, or a special virtual event. Recognizing everyone’s hard work builds goodwill and fosters long-term loyalty. Moreover, it sets a positive precedent that encourages people to come back for future fundraising endeavors.
Neon Fundraise is Your P2P Solution
Phew! That’s a lot of ideas! But no matter how many great ideas you incorporate into your campaign, choosing the wrong platform to run your fundraiser could leave your entire peer-to-peer operation stuck in a ditch.
So, how do you make sure you choose the right peer-to-peer fundraising platform? By choosing Neon One, of course! (It’s not like we’re biased or anything.) Seriously though, our P2P platform, Neon Fundraise, is an incredibly powerful and intuitive piece of software that will make running even the most complicated peer-to-peer campaign a (relative) breeze.
Want to see for yourself? Check out this group demo recording. It’ll give you a high-level overview of what the system can do—and if you like what you see, you can reach out to our sales team for a personalized demo one-on-one.
Good luck with your P2P campaign, and we hope to hear from you soon!
