The fundraising space is constantly changing, and this year brought both challenges and opportunities. Nonprofits are navigating economic uncertainty, changing donor behavior, and rising expectations for personalization and transparency – proving that adaptability is key to long-term success.

One area where adaptability shines is peer-to-peer fundraising. These powerful social fundraising campaigns are one of the most effective ways to reach new audiences and engage communities. With evolving peer-to-peer technology and supporter expectations, staying ahead requires continuous learning, creativity, and innovation.

Through conferences, reports, and conversations with industry leaders, we’ve gathered powerful insights into what’s working now and where nonprofits should focus next. Here are some of the biggest lessons we’ve learned this year that are shaping the future of peer-to-peer fundraising.

1. Donors will only participate if it’s easy.

An easy giving experience is crucial when it comes to donor participation. If the process feels confusing or time-consuming, supporters are far less likely to engage – no matter how great the cause.

To make giving effortless and rewarding, you need the right fundraising software. Here’s what to look for to make participation simple:

  • Peer-to-peer software to simplify the fundraising process: The right P2P platform removes barriers for both organizers and participants. With intuitive setup tools, participants can create their individual giving pages in minutes and start fundraising right away.
  • Tools that empower personalization: When participants can easily customize their fundraising pages – by adding photos, stories, and personal messages – they’re more motivated to share their “why,” which makes the campaign feel more authentic and strengthens the emotional connection with potential donors.
  • A quick, easy online giving process: Donors should be able to give in just a few clicks. Ensure your platform accepts multiple payment methods, accommodates corporate matching gifts, and provides mobile-friendly donation pages. The smoother the transaction, the more likely supporters are to complete their gift and give again.

The best peer-to-peer fundraising software allows both participants and donors to enjoy an efficient experience from start to finish. From simple setup and mobile-friendly design to integrated giving tools, choose a solution that makes it easy for everyone to get involved and make an impact.

2. Organic sharing is the best way to expand your reach.

Peer-to-peer fundraising has always thrived on the power of social proof – donors are most inspired by people who are passionate about your cause. But this year reinforced just how crucial that organic momentum really is. Campaigns that prioritize authentic, participant-driven sharing consistently see stronger engagement, increased donations, and an expanded donor base.

When participants share their pages and progress, they help your organization spread awareness and build credibility. Supporters are far more likely to donate when they see someone they know and trust advocating for your mission.

Encourage your participants and donors to share your campaign organically by:

  • Including prominent social sharing buttons on fundraising pages: Highly visible sharing buttons on your pages allow supporters to share your mission with just one click.
  • Providing customizable social media posts and story templates: Give fundraisers a head start with pre-written captions, graphics, and story templates they can personalize.
  • Sharing tips and ideas with participants throughout the campaign: Keep motivation high by continuously offering resources and ways to promote fundraising pages.
  • Reposting user-generated content on your nonprofit’s social media: Highlighting participant posts celebrates their efforts while encouraging others to share.
  • Recognizing and rewarding active sharers: Give shoutouts, small prizes, or leaderboard recognition to those who consistently share and engage with others.
  • Keeping your message consistent across all platforms: Provide your participants with key talking points or campaign hashtags to create brand recognition.

The best way to engage supporters and expand your organic reach is by communicating clearly and giving them the tools to become social media advocates for your cause. Keep reminding your participants of the purpose behind their posts. When they understand how their voice drives your mission forward, their passion becomes your most powerful marketing tool.

3. Gamification and friendly competition are key motivators.

Fundraising gamification brings an element of fun and friendly competition into the world of giving. By incorporating points, badges, leaderboards, or challenges, nonprofits can transform traditional fundraising into an interactive and rewarding experience that keeps supporters coming back.

Gamification strategies work especially well for online peer-to-peer campaigns, where community and connection are the main drivers of participation. When fundraisers can track their progress, earn recognition, and celebrate accomplishments with teammates, they become more connected to your cause and energized to share their pages, rally their networks, and raise more.

Leverage gamification in your peer-to-peer fundraising by including:

  • Fundraising thermometers or progress bars: Create a sense of urgency with a visual display of progress made toward your goal, while inspiring supporters by showing impact in real time.
  • Milestone badges: Reward supporters with badges for achieving specific goals, such as receiving their first donation or raising $1,000.
  • Leaderboards: Create a public ranking to spark friendly competition and incentivize participants to continue making progress and climb the rankings.
  • Peer-to-peer fundraising teams: Team fundraising leverages social connection, making supporters more likely to recruit their network to participate.

To maximize the impact of these gamification features, promote them consistently across communication channels. Additionally, use automation to ensure you never miss a chance to motivate your supporters.

For example, send out automated emails or push notifications whenever a participant earns a new milestone badge to recognize their efforts in real time and keep the momentum high. Similarly, share regular leaderboard updates on social media to spark friendly competition and inspire others to join in. By continuously celebrating participant wins and keeping them informed, you’ll maintain engagement and energy.

4. Stewarding participants is just as important as recruiting them.

Having a clear post-campaign plan is key to building long-term support for your cause. Without a thoughtful follow-up strategy, your momentum – and your opportunity to deepen donor relationships – can quickly fade.

To keep participants engaged after the campaign ends, consider these stewardship strategies:

  • Send personalized follow-up messages thanking participants for their contributions, sharing fundraising results, and explaining their impact.
  • Highlight upcoming events and other ways to stay involved.
  • Maintain an active presence on social media by sharing stories, testimonials, and photos or videos from the campaign.
  • Review new donor data to identify supporters who may be strong prospects for major gifts or planned giving.

Combine recognition, storytelling, and thoughtful communication to keep participants connected even after the peer-to-peer event has closed. You can transform a one-time participant into a lasting relationship that strengthens your community and drives your mission forward.

Tap Into These Lessons with the Right P2P Software

Putting these lessons into action is easy when you have the right tools. Intuitive, all-in-one fundraising software streamlines campaign setup, boosts engagement through gamification, and simplifies giving. With powerful analytics and integrated communication tools, your team can focus less on logistics and more on what matters most – inspiring generosity and strengthening your impact.