Peer-to-peer fundraising is a powerful strategy for nonprofits that leverages personal networks to raise money and awareness. It is cost-effective and highly engaging because people often hear about causes through someone they know and trust. This personal connection increases the likelihood of donations and support.
This approach allows nonprofits to reach new audiences by encouraging participants to share their own stories and appeals. When fundraisers tap into their social circles, they create authentic, meaningful connections that drive engagement. Below are 10 examples of successful peer-to-peer fundraising for nonprofits to learn from and adapt.
1) The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
This campaign is the gold standard of viral peer-to-peer fundraising. Participants dumped buckets of ice water on themselves and challenged friends to do the same or donate to ALS research. It combined fun, social pressure, and a clear call to action, making it easy for anyone to participate.
- Raised over $115 million globally in just a few months.
- Benefited from social media amplification.
- Engaged millions by making participation fun and shareable.
- Inspired countless other viral fundraising campaigns worldwide.
Lesson: Create a simple, memorable action that encourages social sharing. This is one of the best examples of peer-to-peer fundraising. People often make decisions based on what they see other people doing because they want to feel like they belong.
You will find other great examples in Kindsight’s peer-to-peer fundraising guide. These include campaigns that combine storytelling, community challenges, and easy-to-share actions. These strategies make it simple for supporters to spread the word while feeling personally connected to the cause.
2) Charity: Water Birthday Fundraisers
Charity: Water encourages supporters to ask for donations instead of birthday gifts. This approach turns personal celebrations into meaningful opportunities to support clean water projects worldwide.
- Thousands turn their birthdays into fundraising campaigns.
- Clear storytelling about the impact of clean water projects.
- Donors see exactly where their money goes.
Lesson: Personal milestones are powerful motivators for giving.
3) Movember Foundation
Movember invites men worldwide to grow moustaches during November to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. This simple, visible action sparks conversations and encourages donations by creating a shared sense of purpose and community.
- Raised hundreds of millions since inception.
- Builds a yearly tradition that fosters community.
- Combines fun with purpose.
- Engages workplaces and teams through coordinated challenges and campaigns.
Lesson: A unique, time-bound theme drives participation and media attention.
4) Team World Vision Marathon Fundraisers
Runners sign up for marathons with fundraising goals supporting poverty relief. This combines personal challenge with charitable impact, motivating participants and donors alike.
- Thousands of runners annually.
- Fundraisers share training and stories with their networks.
- Clear, measurable personal goals motivate donors.
- Events build strong team camaraderie and long-term donor engagement.
Lesson: Combine personal challenge with fundraising to boost engagement.
5) Susan G. Komen’s “Race for the Cure”
This breast cancer awareness event encourages teams and individuals to fundraise while participating in the race. It fosters a sense of unity and purpose, bringing communities together to support survivors and fund research.
- Events across multiple cities.
- Thousands participate yearly, raising millions.
- Community-driven and emotionally resonant.
- Empowers participants to honor loved ones affected by breast cancer through action.
Lesson: Team-based events foster camaraderie and motivate higher giving.
6) Red Nose Day
Red Nose Day uses humor and celebrity endorsements to engage donors around child poverty. Its lighthearted approach raises serious awareness while making giving feel accessible and fun.
- Millions raised through events and challenges.
- Broad media coverage and social sharing.
- Combines entertainment with social good.
- Attracts a wide demographic by blending pop culture with a meaningful cause.
Lesson: Engaging content and celebrity involvement amplify reach.
7) DonorsChoose.org Classroom Fundraisers
Teachers create classroom project pages and invite their communities to fund them. Donors can choose specific projects to support, creating a direct connection between giving and classroom impact.
- Direct impact appeals to parents and neighbors.
- Transparent, specific project goals.
- High donor trust due to personal connection.
Lesson: Showcasing tangible outcomes motivates giving.
8) World Wildlife Fund Birthday Fundraisers
Similar to Charity: Water, WWF encourages birthday fundraisers for wildlife conservation. Supporters use their special day to raise awareness and rally donations for endangered species and environmental protection.
- Easy to set up and share on social media.
- Connects personal celebrations with global impact.
- Builds donor loyalty through recurring events.
Lesson: Repeating annual campaigns builds sustained fundraising.
9) Cancer Research UK Relay For Life
Teams fundraise by participating in overnight relay events. Each participant takes turns walking or running, symbolizing the ongoing fight against cancer.
- Millions raised globally.
- Emphasizes emotional stories of survival and hope.
- Team-based format drives participation.
- Events foster strong camaraderie and long-lasting community bonds among participants.
Lesson: Emotional storytelling coupled with team dynamics boosts success.
10) Charity Runs and Walks with Social Media Integration
Many organizations integrate fundraising with virtual runs or walks. Participants track their progress online and share updates on social media to boost visibility and donations.
- Participants share progress via social media.
- Gamification and leaderboards encourage friendly competition.
- Accessible to supporters worldwide.
- Virtual events expand reach beyond geographic limits, increasing overall fundraising potential.
Lesson: Use technology and gamification to engage remote participants.
Key Takeaways for Nonprofits
Peer-to-peer fundraising turns supporters into fundraisers. Its strength lies in personal connections and storytelling. Here are some tips for success:
- Create easy-to-share campaigns.
- Offer clear goals and impact explanations.
- Use automation and data to identify and support fundraisers.
- Leverage social media to boost reach.
- Build traditions with annual events or campaigns.
Peer-to-peer fundraising works best when it’s personal, purposeful, and repeatable. Equip your supporters with the right tools and messages, and they’ll expand your mission’s reach in powerful ways.
The Power and Potential of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Peer-to-peer fundraising is a proven way to grow revenue and awareness. These examples show how creativity, community, and personal stories drive extraordinary results. By tapping into networks and supporting fundraisers with smart tools, nonprofits unlock powerful fundraising engines.
Nonprofits that embrace peer-to-peer fundraising don’t just raise money. They build communities of passionate advocates, create lasting impact, and strengthen their mission by fostering deeper connections and ongoing support.
