The P2P Soapbox – Details, episodes & analysis

Expanding your peer-to-peer (P2P) portfolio is vital for long-term growth and sustainability. By diversifying P2P revenue streams, you can not only raise more funds but also attract new supporters, foster a more inclusive community, and reduce financial risk.

The challenge often lies in determining the right timing and approach for expansion. Is your organization seeking to engage a specific audience? Are you planning to scale an existing program into new communities or introduce an entirely new initiative? Ultimately, successful expansion hinges on prioritizing the next right activity that aligns with your organization’s mission and goals.

In this episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell sits down with Robyn Mendez, industry veteran and City of Hope’s Associate Vice President of Legacy and National Events. Robyn will share her team’s decision-making framework for expanding their signature Walk for Hope from a single-market event to a national footprint. We’ll dig into the importance of setting clear expectations, plus the budget and staffing implications of such a significant change.

Additionally, this episode covers:

• The role of staff and volunteers when entering a new market
• Lessons learned from Year 1 of a strategic program expansion
• Alternate considerations for P2P portfolio growth

Mentioned Links

City of Hope

Walk for Hope

On Social: Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn

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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (01:45) - Introducing Robyn Mendez
• (05:32) - City of Hope Walk for Hope
• (13:34) - Expanding to New Markets
• (28:13) - How do you know when it's time to expand?

It's no exaggeration to say that livestreaming and influencer marketing have revolutionized both the entertainment industry and consumer behavior. With the advent of new technologies and the rise of content creators, many nonprofits are grappling with how to integrate these innovations into their fundraising efforts.

While content creators present an exciting opportunity to reach new audiences for P2P fundraising, a closer look reveals that the fundamentals remain familiar. Streaming campaigns share core elements with traditional fundraising events—empowerment, inspiration, recognition, and calls to action. These campaigns demand the same level of engagement, resources, and support, even if they are delivered through different channels.

In the episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Andy Steig, Stand Up To Cancer’s Influencers & Gaming Community Director.  Andy will share stories of how his organization launched its influencer & streaming initiative in 2019 and how it has evolved over the past five years. Together, we’ll dig into strategies for recruiting and retaining content creators to support your mission, as well as how to build solid collaborations between influencers, brands and your nonprofit.

Additionally, this episode covers:

• Building community among streamers & influencers
• How to measure success within a streaming or influencer campaign
• Tips for piloting your first streaming campaign

Mentioned Links

Stand Up To Cancer

Up2Us campaign

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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (03:17) - Introducing Andy Steig
• (05:58) - About Stand Up To Cancer
• (09:08) - Recruitment
• (14:47) - Retention
• (19:19) - Measuring Success
• (23:58) - Guidance
• (31:59) - Get Involved!

In the realm of peer-to-peer fundraising, DIY campaigns often receive less attention and investment compared to more traditional programs. The term "Do It Yourself" fundraising may suggest a hands-off approach to organizers.

However, this misconception overlooks a significant opportunity. Frequently, individuals who initiate their own fundraising events exhibit even greater passion and personal investment in our cause compared to participants in traditional walks, runs, and rides.

The most successful DIY programs in our field recognize the true value these fundraisers bring and prioritize building relationships and providing support to ensure their success.

In this episode, Marcie Maxwell of P2P Fundraising is joined by Becky Mitts, Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Development at Ovarian Cancer Canada. Becky shares her team's journey in understanding their DIY landscape, identifying opportunities and advocating for the prioritization of DIY within the organization. They delve into the challenges and outdated perspectives that often hinder organizations from developing a strategic DIY fundraising approach.

In this episode, we’ll also explore:

• Tips for overcoming technology challenges in DIY programs
• How DIY and traditional P2P programs can co-exist and complement each other
• How third-party fundraisers can serve as a testing ground for your organization

Mentioned Links

Ovarian Cancer Canada

On Social: Instagram, YouTube &Twitter/X

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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (01:46) - Introducing Becky Mitts
• (06:02) - Overhauling DIY
• (11:18) - Fundraising Lessons Learned
• (21:04) - Program Cross-over
• (23:26) - New to DIY? Here's what you need to know.

One of the most common refrains that echoes through the world of peer-to-peer fundraising is that our friends in Marketing just don’t understand the world of Development.  (And it’s pretty easy to assume that the sentiment cuts both ways.)

However, with the evolving landscape of revenue goals, shifting supporter expectations and advancements in technology, this challenge presents a huge opportunity. Just imagine how P2P programs can grow if we could truly seamlessly blend the great expertise that both teams bring to the table.

In the episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell sits down with the National MS Society’s Marisa Hull and Peter Fryer.   This dynamic Marketing & Development duo will share how their teams have collaborated to refine the Bike MS constituent journey and how they have built a solid cross-functional partnership along the way.

In this episode, we’ll also explore:

• How to build trust between Marketing &  Development teams
• The idea of turning your P2P program into a lifestyle brand
• The power of vulnerability & humility in cross-functional partnerships

Mentioned Links

National MS Society

Bike MS

On Social: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube &Twitter/X

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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (03:56) - Introducing Marisa Hull and Peter Fryer
• (08:59) - Marketing & Develompent at the Table Together
• (24:54) - The Lifestyle Brand
• (28:10) - Unlocking Best Practices for Great Relationships Between Teams
• (38:06) - Learn More

As professional fundraisers, we often find ourselves playing the role of the “proud beggar”, grateful for every donation we receive, no matter the size. While that is a worthy and admirable approach, it can do a disservice to our participants and to the missions we champion.

Our peer-to-peer participants aren’t just signing up to walk or ride or run - they are signing up to raise funds in support of a cause close to their hearts.  Our responsibility is to understand their goals, empower them with the effective strategies and inspiration to achieve them and challenge them to go even further.

In the Season 2 premiere, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Jarrett Collins, CEO of the Pan-Mass Challenge(PMC).  Together, we’ll discuss how the PMC has grown its bike-a-thon over the past 45 years into a program that today raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the world.  Jarrett will share how his team fosters a true culture of philanthropy among its riders and how they continuously motivate them to achieve higher fundraising levels.

In this episode, we’ll also explore:

• How the PMC is leveraging a major fundraising milestone to drive support in 2024
• The average lifecycle of a PMC rider - and how they keep them coming back every year
• The power of recognition 

Mentioned Links

Pan-Mass Challenge

On Social: Facebook, Instagram &Twitter/X

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Seasoned P2P fundraisers, especially those working in the world of in-person events, recognize the tremendous significance of a highly engaged and goal-oriented volunteer committee. These dedicated individuals play a pivotal role in recruiting our teams, fostering connections with sponsors, and assisting in the seamless execution of event day logistics.

However, when it comes to digital-first P2P fundraising campaigns, the idea of empowering volunteer leadership is often overlooked. Many organizations tend to view these fundraisers as independent, do-it-yourself (DIY) initiatives, with limited connection among them.

So what would happen if we applied our best practices for working with local volunteer leaders to our digital-first campaigns? Local ambassadors can not only extend the campaign's reach but also enhance its authenticity, foster a sense of community and strengthen the overall impact.

On our Season 1 finale, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell sits down with Brittany Veneris, US Director of Fundraising for Movember, one of the peer-to-peer industry’s most unique fundraisers.  Together, we’ll discuss how Movember has built a global network of community ambassadors to drive its annual peer-to-peer fundraising campaign.  Brittany shares how the simple idea of a mustache-growing contest has grown into a global men's health movement, raising more than $1B in the past 20 years.

In today’s episode, we’ll also explore:

• How Movember strikes a balance between its fun marketing person with its serious mission
• Setting goals and expectations with volunteer fundraisers
• Unique messaging strategies to engage male fundraisers 

Mentioned Links

Movember

On Social: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube &Twitter/X

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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (04:14) - It's Movember!
• (10:43) - Balancing Fun with Serious Issues
• (12:02) - Building Off the Digital Community
• (21:28) - Gender in P2P Fundraising
• (27:52) - Pandemic Lessons
• (31:22) - Learn More

Do you ever find that your relationships with your peer-to-peer fundraisers seem to be a one-way street? As dedicated P2P professionals, we invest substantial effort in crafting the perfect email messages, texts, and social media posts to motivate our fundraisers to take action. But how often do we take the time to truly understand why they are passionate about fundraising in the first place?

In a world where answering calls from unknown numbers is increasingly unlikely, it's essential that we explore innovative ways to connect with our supporters and put in the necessary time to foster genuine connections. 

In this episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell sits down with Make-A-Wish Alabama’s Vice President of Advancement, Valerie Cunningham-Trainer,  and Make-A-Wish America’s Chapter Events Fundraising Manager, Katie Woods.  Katie and Valerie share a passion for one of Make-A-Wish’s signature P2P programs, the Trailblaze Challenge - a single-day 20+ mile endurance hiking event - and the community it has helped them build for their local chapters. Together, we delve into how they leverage the comprehensive training program and year-round community events to establish profound, authentic relationships with their fundraisers. 

In today’s episode, we’ll explore:

• How Make-A-Wish is connecting their fundraisers to their mission
• Strategies to turn a small group of event participants into a large year-round community
• Ways to spot future champions & leaders among P2P fundraisers

Mentioned Links

Make-A-Wish America

On Social: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube &Twitter/X

Make-A-Wish Alabama

On Social: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube &Twitter/X

Trailblaze Challenge

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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (01:22) - Introducing Katie Wood & Valerie Cunningham-Trainer
• (03:58) - The Personal & Professional Journey
• (06:42) - The Trailblaze Program
• (09:18) - Training
• (17:32) - Connecting Fundraising to Mission
• (21:22) - Growing Community out of Small Events
• (39:12) - Learn More

It can often feel like all peer-to-peer fundraising professionals are cut from the same cloth—hardworking, goal-oriented, outgoing and passionate about making a positive impact on the world. However, the truth is that our industry boasts a diverse array of individuals with distinct backgrounds, strengths and connections to our missions.

P2P fundraising undeniably thrives on community. The most successful programs in this field prioritize relationship-building and meaningful connections, meaning it’s critical for P2P professionals to bring their authentic selves, unique skill sets and personal experiences to the forefront.

The most effective P2P leaders are those who recognize the value of these diverse experiences and harness the individual strengths of each team member to contribute to the larger collective. In doing so, they create a harmonious and empowered environment that drives the industry - and our missions - forward.

In this episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell sits down with Joe Apgar, President of Pelotonia, one of the nation’s largest cycling events, which benefits The Ohio State University – The James Cancer Hospital. Joe shares his personal story as a cancer survivor, a cancer sibling and a Pelotonia participant, his professional journey in finance, and how those unique experiences prepared him for a leadership role at Pelotonia and continue to shape his work with participants and his team. 

In today’s episode, we’ll explore:

• How Pelotonia weathered the pandemic and came back stronger
• How to fail quickly - and learn from it
• Ways to cultivate and retain great talent

Mentioned Links

Pelotonia

On Social: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube &Twitter/X

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Connect with Joe

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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (01:28) - Introducing Joe Apgar
• (10:02) - The Lived Journey To Fundraising
• (19:14) - Navigating 2020
• (24:52) - Fundraising on Rocks!
• (28:14) - Lessons Learned
• (33:04) - Cultivating Talent
• (40:26) - Learn More

In 2023, leading nonprofit organizations are undertaking the essential and challenging task of scrutinizing their operational strategies through the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) lens. Big questions remain, particularly regarding racial equity and its intersection with the missions we champion, the positions we advocate, the donors we prioritize, and even the composition of our workforce.

And our small world of peer-to-peer fundraising is no different. 

Our peer-to-peer fundraising events present a unique opportunity to translate these principles into action - in our capacity to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds around a common cause, in the role our events play as a mirror reflecting the broader community we serve, and in our commitment to dismantling barriers that might hinder potential supporters from connecting with our mission.

In this episode, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s Chief Development Officer, Deb Barge, joins P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell for an important conversation about the critical need to prioritize the principles of JEDI in peer-to-peer fundraising work. Marcie and Deb discuss real-world examples of how leading organizations are bringing JEDI principles to life with their P2P events, as well as the role that staff and volunteers can play in creating an inclusive environment.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore:

• The longstanding roots of JEDI in P2P events
• The importance of a diverse workforce 
• The power of mission-connected volunteers

Mentioned Links

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

BeABigNow.Org

On Social: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube &Twitter/X

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Connect with Deb

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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (01:32) - Introducing Deborah Barge
• (03:22) - The Journey to Big Brothers Big Sisters
• (09:32) - JEDI
• (16:33) - MDA
• (21:02) - Engaging Staff Diversity
• (28:26) - Peer to Peer at Big Brothers Big Sisters
• (37:06) - Learn how to be an Aunt Marcie Yourself!

At many nonprofit organizations, peer-to-peer fundraising programs and corporate partnerships live on separate teams with different goals and often competing priorities.  However, there is a clear connection between the two. 

Not only can a peer-to-peer fundraising program serve as an entry point for a new corporate partner, it can also be a great way to deepen relationships with existing corporate partners through employee engagement. In the same vein, adding a cause marketing campaign can amplify a peer-to-peer program sponsor’s impact on our missions.

At their core, both peer-to-peer and corporate fundraising campaigns empower supporters to ask for donations on the behalf of the organization - and when you leverage the two initiatives in tandem, that’s when a true win-win-win partnership can be created for all teams involved.

In this episode, the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum’s Marcie Maxwell and Engage For Good’s Alli Murphy are joined by Robyn Raphael, Director of Corporate Partnerships for St. Baldrick’s Foundation and Amanda Palm, Director of Communications & Partnerships at Sport Clips. The group discusses how St. Baldrick’s signature peer-to-peer head-shaving events - a consistent member of the P2P US Top 30 - led to a natural partnership between the childhood cancer charity and the sports-themed hair care franchise and its stylists. Robyn and Amanda will share their secrets to building a strong working relationship and how they work together to grow both of their businesses.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore:

• How peer-to-peer fundraising can serve as a platform for employee engagement
• What it takes to create & sustain a mutually beneficial partnership
• The importance of listening and trust in a nonprofit-corporate partnership

Mentioned Links

St. Baldrick’s Foundation

@stbaldricks on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & Threads

Sport Clips

@sportclipshaircuts - Facebook, Instagram & TikTok

Stay Connected on LinkedIn

Connect with Robyn

Connect with Amanda

Connect with Marcie

Connect with Alli

Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum

Connect with Engage For Good

• (00:00) - Welcome to the P2P Soapbox
• (01:00) - Worlds Collide! Corporate Social Impact + P2P
• (02:28) - Introdicing Amanda Palm and Robynand Kent
• (07:34) - Shaving for Purpose
• (11:16) - The Right Fit Partner
• (15:48) - Sustaining through the Pandemic
• (20:24) - The Partnership Grows
• (22:57) - Questions of Labor and Retention
• (31:38) - Trust & Tips
• (38:44) - Learn More