5 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising ‘Get Started’ Tips

Let’s talk peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising, shall we? I took part in a roundtable discussion at the 2014 Engage Conference by FundRaising Success that consisted of an open share of ideas on how to get a P2P campaign off the ground. I compiled five of the best ideas that you can implement quickly without much headache (or overhead)!

1. Host an open house. This is a great way to turn your donors and prospects into fundraisers, and it checks the box on donor engagement. Ask open-house attendees to help you get the word out about your organization and to participate in your next fundraiser. Use this opportunity to sell them on why you do what you do … tell a compelling story and leave them wanting to do more when they walk out that door.

2. Leverage a computer lab. If you’re lucky enough to have an on-site computer lab, invite donors and volunteers in for a hands-on session to show them how to create their own fundraising pages and the perfect email “ask.”

Nothing on-site? Contact local libraries, schools and community centers to see if they have a lab you can use.

To pull this off you need to be set up with P2P fundraising software, preferably cloud-based. Check out partners like RallyBound that have solutions that offer live reporting, email templates, integration with existing software and the ability to track offline donations. Other players include StayClassy, Razoo, FirstGiving and Blackbaud’s Friends Asking Friends.

3. Encourage “friendly co-opetition.” I have to credit Abila’s Lisa Morris for this phrase. Engage local groups to “outraise” each other. For example, pit your local Mason’s group against the Knights of Columbus to see who can raise more for your nonprofit.

Do you have corporate partners? Get them involved, and make it a bit of a challenge for the grand prize of bragging rights. Heroes Night Out, of Austin, Texas, asks local Home Depot store employees to compete against each other to see which location can raise the most. Pit the garden department against lumber … the possibilities are endless. Honor the winners at an upcoming event or gala.

4. Host a fun run/walk/ride event. Charge an entry fee, and ask your participants to get pledges. Don’t be afraid to require fundraising minimums — for example, everyone who participants has to show up on race day with at least $100 in donations. Check out The Generosity Series, a turnkey company based in Brooklyn that handles all event management and marketing for you.

5. Enlist community service groups. Boy and Girl Scout troops need community service hours to earn merit badges. High-school students look for volunteer and fundraising experience to apply for National Honor Society status and to beef up college applications. Use these requirements to your advantage! Get in front of these groups, and ask them for help — it’s a win-win for all involved.

While we're talking peer-to-peer fundraising, check out FundRaising Success' newest event, Engage P2P: Redefining Peer-to-Peer Fundraising. The event takes place Oct. 21 in Washington, D.C., and will take a holistic view of peer-to-peer fundraising. You can get more information here and register here. We look forward to seeing you there!

Lisa Van Giesen is marketing leader of nonprofits and sales integration at Billhighway. Reach her at lvangiesen@billhighway.com