What is peer-to-peer fundraising?
With all the digital tools available, it’s never been easier for supporters to raise money for their favourite organisations.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising has become one of the most popular ways to do this. By leaning on communities, supporters can help organisations reach their fundraising goals faster while connecting with local people.
In this guide, we’ll unpack peer-to-peer fundraising and help you launch your own P2P campaign with examples and ideas.
What is peer-to-peer fundraising?
Peer-to-peer fundraising is when individuals organise campaigns to collect donations from local community members on behalf of a non-profit, charity, or organisation.
Organisations recruit volunteer fundraisers to actively participate in fundraising efforts, providing them with the necessary resources. These supporters can then raise money through different activities, such as asking for donations via an online donation page.
This helps to expand the charitable organisation’s reach while raising plenty of funds for a worthwhile cause.
Benefits of peer-to-peer fundraising
Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns can benefit organisations, charities, and non-profits for the following reasons:
- Contact people outside their network: People tend to trust recommendations from friends. As supporters have direct access to friends, family members, coworkers, and other peers who may not have heard of an organisation, they can reach new audiences. This means that when supporters throw their weight behind a cause, the organisation can reach more networks.
- Increase brand awareness: When peer-to-peer supporters share information about an organisation, whether it be fundraising materials or simply telling people in the streets, they increase awareness. This is great for organisations because consumers often need to hear a message multiple times before they take action.
- Empower supporters to take an active fundraising role: Sharing what an organisation’s cause means to them with a wider audience can make their involvement much more meaningful.
- More efficient fundraising: By leveraging volunteer fundraisers, an organisation can reduce its team’s workload and improve campaign efficiencies.
To enjoy the full benefits of peer-to-peer fundraising, it’s important to have the right fundraising tools and use a reputable online fundraising platform.
Peer-to-peer fundraising ideas
The sky’s the limit!
From art galas to summer garden parties, you’ll find plenty of peer-to-peer fundraising ideas on our complete list. However, here are a few to get your creative juices flowing.
Run/walk/swim-a-thons
Fun for people of all ages and abilities, this is a great way of encouraging friendly competition while raising money for a worthwhile cause. Not only do active peer-to-peer fundraisers promote healthy habits and make the most of the great Australian outdoors, but they also boost engagement within communities and teams – bringing everyone together. Make your event even more fun by getting creative with themes!
Bake sale
A tried-and-tested peer-to-peer fundraising idea, bake sales have been a popular choice for as long as people have been raising money. Encourage volunteers to bring their tasty baked goods along, creating a spread that Mary Berry would be proud of. You can also sell beverages and merchandise at the event to boost donations and incorporate some fun activities.
Virtual challenges
Virtual challenges allow you to reach a huge amount of people online by promoting it via social media. Get supporters to complete a certain task or activity, such as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge or Movember. Online challenges make it easy for people to share with friends, family, and the general public, so you can widen your audience.
Best practices to get the most from peer-to-peer campaigns
Creating an effective peer-to-peer fundraising campaign starts with giving your supporters the tools, resources, and inspiration they need. Here are some best practices to follow.
Set your fundraisers up for success
Fundraisers will be eager to support your organisation, but they’ll likely need some tools and support along the way. Set them up for success with materials like:
- Pre-written copy: This can be as simple as “My name is ______, and I’m fundraising on behalf of [your organisation’s name] to support their [project or program the donations will go toward]. I’ve been involved with this organisation for [number of years] because of [personal connection to your cause]. Would you consider supporting me so I can reach my goal?”
- Images and videos: Includes multimedia from fundraising events, volunteer opportunities, or other forms of community outreach. Supporters can also add their own photos of themselves participating in your organisation’s events.
- Creating a group chat using platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, or Slack: Participants can share tips, fundraising wins, milestones, and words of encouragement. This fosters a community spirit among your fundraisers, making the experience more engaging and meaningful.
Choose the right peer-to-peer fundraising platform
When picking an online platform you should look for:
- Zero fees (for platform)
- Ease of use and website design
- Excellent customer support
- When you get access to your funds
- Fundraiser sharing capabilities
Choosing a trusted, reliable online fundraising platform, such as GoFundMe, ensures you have all the tools you need to run a successful peer-to-peer fundraising campaign for your organisation.
Peer-to-peer fundraising examples
With over $30 billion raised, our global GoFundMe community has changed the lives of millions of people.
Below are a few peer-to-peer fundraising examples to help inspire you to start a fundraiser of your own.
You can also find more on our success stories page.
A Meditation Marathon, 20 Minutes on the 20th
One young boy’s 20-minute meditation goal helped raise money for the coalition for the homeless Holiday Toy Drive. His target was to raise $2,000 so that other kids could have toys at Christmas.
The campaign ended up smashing this target, eventually raising over $30,000 USD.
Rebuilding Animal Homes, Feed and Water Stations
This fund was created by animal lovers and volunteers. They wanted to rebuild animal habitats that were destroyed by devastating wildfires.
After raising over $11,900 AUD, donors were thanked and updated on where their money was going.
Peer-to-peer fundraising with GoFundMe
Peer-to-peer fundraising is a fantastic way of engaging with new donors, boosting donations, and raising awareness for your charitable cause. At GoFundMe, we’re here to help.
Starting a GoFundMe fundraiser is incredibly easy and can be hugely successful if you use our market-leading online tools. Plus, we make it incredibly simple to share your fundraiser on social media and reach out to your various communities.
Australia’s #1 crowdfunding platform is completely free to use and each donation is protected thanks to our giving guarantee.
Kickstart your peer-to-peer fundraising journey today!