​5 Reasons Your Organization Should Jump Into Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Do you know the benefits of peer-to-peer fundraising for your nonprofit? If you're here, it's likely that you at least have a few ideas of why peer-to-peer is an important part of your overall fundraising strategy.  But if you’re on the fence about whether to make the leap and launch a peer-to-peer campaign for the first time, or really put your resources behind making peer-to-peer a bigger part of your strategy, you’re in the right place! 

Here are the top 5 reasons a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign is critical to your fundraising strategy.

1) Source of New Donors
1 in 4 emails from an individual results in a donation vs. 1 in 25 emails from an organization.  The basis of peer-to-peer fundraising is the fact that your fundraisers spread the word to their network. You then get a first-hand introduction to those connections.  For many, it will be the first time they've heard of or decided to support your organziation.  Once your nonprofit is connected, you have the beautiful opportunity to cultivate those new donors to become lifelong supporters.  



2) Cultivation of Star Fundraisers as Major Donors
Think of your best fundraisers as major donors themselves, and cultivate them in the same way. If your threshold for a major donor is $1,000 or $2,500, how are your most successful peer-to-peer fundraisers any different? The only basic distinction: they have raised the funds from a variety of sources. These Star Fundraisers are incredible assets for your organization raising much needed funds and awareness by sharing their passion with others.  

3) Build Community and Increase Awareness of Your Nonprofit
Your supporters share socially, and fuels increased awareness of your nonprofit in your community.  Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns create an opportunity for individuals to work towards a collective effort for your nonprofit. Gather your supporters, encourage them to form teams, and then support them along the way. Feature them on social media and on your nonprofit’s blog.  Consider organizing an in-person event like a kickoff party or a happy hour to thank your supporters for starting their fundraising journey. 




4. Reach a New Audience and Generations
Looking to activate more support from millennials? Research shows that 43% of millennials (Gen Y) have already fundraised for an organization – keep in mind that more would fundraise if only they were asked!  These digital natives are the next generation of donors. Empowering them to give back in a way that is meaningful, social, and connected is critical - and peer-to-peer gives them this avenue.

5. Expand Your Reach Online and Through Social Media
The beauty of online fundraising is that you can reach more people easily through social media and email sharing. When individuals create fundraising pages, your fundraisers act as advocates and ambassadors for your cause. Whenever they send their page through email to their friends or family, they are expanding the reach and connections that your nonprofit could create on your own. Isn’t that a wonderful thing?



Want to learn more?
Watch this webinar about Developing a Portfolio Peer-to-Peer Strategy