Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: How to Let Your Community Fundraise for You
What Is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising?
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) fundraising is simple but powerful tool your donors, board members, volunteers or other community members can use to:
👥 Ask their friends, family, and networks to support your organization
💸 Encourage those friends to give because someone they trust asked them
❤️ Educate your community that people give to people—not just causes
In other words: your community becomes your fundraising team.
Why Does It Work?
P2P fundraising succeeds because:
✅ People trust their friends more than an organization.
✅ Their friends care about what they care about.
✅ Their friends are sharing their hearts, and not just dropping a donation link.
✨ At the end of the day, people give to people they know.
There are many platforms out there that your organization can use to set up a campaign. Here are a few articles to help you choose which platform is right for you:
- 10 Best Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Platforms (2025) | Givebutter
- Message from Bloomerang
- Online Donation Systems Software – Review Leading Systems
How to Launch Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Step-by-Step instructions for your fundraisers
● $100?
● $500?
● $1,000?
They should be encouraged to choose a number that feels exciting but realistic. Small goals create momentum, and momentum creates more giving.
Step 2 – Set a Page
🖼️ Add a photo
📝 Write 2–3 heartfelt sentences about why this cause matters
Example:
“I’m raising money because this program changed my life. I want others to have the same chance.”
Step 3 – Make a List
Start with 10–20 people:
👨👩👧 Family
👯 Friends
🏫 Teachers, coworkers, or church members
The tighter the connection, the better the response.
Step 4 – Make It Personal
📱 Call or text.
✉️ Email or DM.
Encourage them to always use their name and your authentic voice.
Sample ask:
“Hi Alex! I’m raising money for something I really care about. Could you help with $10 or $20?”
Step 5 – Don’t Forget to Say “Thank You!”
Never underestimate gratitude. Show it with:
📞 A quick call
💬 A kind text
✉️ A heartfelt thank-you message
Their “Thank You” is part of the relationship, not the transaction.
Bonus Tips to Boost Success
✔️ Ask again – People forget, and reminders work.
✔️ Share progress – “I’m 75% to my goal!” motivates more giving.
✔️ Make it fun – Create a video, share stories, or celebrate milestones.
Final Word: You (and your supporters) Got This!
Tell them:
✨ They’re not begging.
🎯 They’re inviting people to join something meaningful.
❤️ Their personal story matters – They should share why your organization is important to them.
With peer-to-peer fundraising, your community becomes your loudest cheerleader—and your most effective fundraiser.
Our Role? We’re the Matchmakers.
At Heart for the Community, we help small nonprofits navigate these relationships with confidence. We vet funders, research grant opportunities, and coach you through partnership strategy.
Because you deserve more than money—you deserve alignment.
👉 Need help finding the right partner for your nonprofit? Let’s connect.
Coming Up Next: Special Events (Beyond the Gala)
Heart for the Community will offer examples of successful fundraising events for smaller nonprofit organizations to consider beyond high dollar galas or golf tournaments.