Glossary
Revenue & Donations

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 16, 2025

DEFINITION:

Peer-to-peer fundraising empowers supporters to raise money for a nonprofit by soliciting donations from their personal networks with individual fundraising pages.
Peer-to-peer fundraising is a strategy where supporters of a nonprofit raise money on its behalf by creating their own fundraising pages and reaching out to their personal networks. This decentralized approach leverages individual relationships, enabling organizations to expand their reach and acquire new donors. Often used for events, campaigns, or challenges, peer-to-peer fundraising encourages friendly competition and storytelling, motivating participants to share their connection to the cause. Nonprofits can provide resources and templates while tracking progress and recognizing top fundraisers to keep participants engaged and inspired.

Key Takeaways

  • Leverages supporters' personal networks to raise funds
  • Expands reach and donor base for nonprofits
  • Often used for events or time-bound campaigns
  • Encourages supporter engagement and storytelling

Why It Matters

It helps nonprofits reach new supporters and boost donations by leveraging personal networks.

Real World Example

A local animal shelter launches a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign for their annual 5K run. Supporters sign up to participate and each is given a personal fundraising page to share on social media and via email. Participants tell their own stories about why animal rescue matters to them and ask friends and family to donate toward their goals. The shelter tracks top fundraisers and progress in real time, offering prizes for the highest earners. By the end of the campaign, not only is the fundraising goal exceeded, but the shelter has also gained many new donors and increased community awareness.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos offers tools for nonprofits to easily set up peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, track individual and team progress, and integrate donations directly into their accounting system. With customizable pages and real-time reporting, organizations can empower their supporters and maximize fundraising effectiveness using Aplos.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is peer-to-peer fundraising?

Peer-to-peer fundraising is when nonprofit supporters raise donations from their friends and family using personal fundraising pages.

How does peer-to-peer fundraising benefit nonprofits?

It expands the organization's reach, attracts new donors, and increases fundraising potential by leveraging supporters' networks.

Can I track individual fundraiser progress in Aplos?

Yes, Aplos allows you to track individual and team progress, manage donations, and recognize top fundraisers directly within the platform.

What types of campaigns work well with peer-to-peer fundraising?

Events, challenges, and time-bound campaigns, like runs or Giving Days, are ideal for peer-to-peer fundraising.

Related Terms

Stewardship
Revenue Recognition
Time Tracking
Chart of Accounts
Restricted Fund
Grant Amendment

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