The P2P Soapbox (TruStory FM)
Explore every episode of The P2P Soapbox
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 17 Dec 2024 | Confronting Societal Stigma Through P2P Fundraising with Shatterproof’s Shannon Greene | 00:31:23 | |
Peer-to-peer fundraising inherently involves a degree of vulnerability—sharing your personal story and hoping others will respond with support and donations. But what happens when the story is difficult to tell? When the cause itself is stigmatized? Or when you’re unsure how your loved ones will react? This week on the P2P Soapbox, Shannon Greene, representing Shatterproof, joins us to explore these critical questions. She sheds light on the distinct hurdles nonprofits tackling issues like substance use disorder face in peer-to-peer fundraising and beyond. Shannon shares actionable strategies for breaking through societal biases, fostering safe and welcoming event environments and building trust with donors. You’ll also hear insights on:
Mentioned Links On Facebook (@ShatterproofHQ), X (@shatterproofHQ), and Instagram (@weareshatterproof). Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 15 Apr 2025 | Creating Synergy Across A Growing P2P Portfolio with Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation’s Steve Merker | 00:28:54 | |
In the early days of the P2P industry, most nonprofits concentrated on one tentpole P2P event—typically a walk or cycling program—which allowed them to align staffing, branding, and resources around a single, large-scale initiative, focusing on broad market appeal. However, as the industry has evolved, so too has the need to diversify offerings—both to engage new audiences and to meet the changing expectations of existing supporters. Expanding into new events definitely comes with its own set of challenges—especially without a clear plan—but it also opens the door to exciting opportunities. With strong internal alignment, consistent branding, and a collaborative approach, building out a mix of P2P campaigns can spark innovation, boost engagement, and drive real growth. In this episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Steve Merker, VP of Corporate and Community Partnerships at the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Canada’s leading cancer fundraising organization, which was recently recognized as the 2025 Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum Organization Of The Year. They explore how Princess Margaret expanded its peer-to-peer portfolio from two events to eight, the growing pains and opportunities that come with that kind of scale, and how collaboration, brand clarity and a strategic mindset have fueled their success. In this episode, we’ll also explore:
Northern Pass to Conquer Cancer Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 07 May 2024 | Understanding The Lifetime Value Of Your P2P Fundraisers with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Jon Thompson & Kevin McMahon | 00:41:57 | |
Those of us deeply entrenched in the world of peer-to-peer fundraising have long recognized that one of the greatest strengths of our events and campaigns lies within the sense of community and shared experiences we create for our supporters. However, in an increasingly data-driven environment, quantifying the return on investment (ROI) for cultivating these relationships and creating impactful mission moments can be challenging. By examining the impact of P2P participation on a donor's lifetime value, we can begin to truly understand the long-term significance of our efforts and therefore make the case for even greater investment. By speaking a common language, we can break down the silos between peer-to-peer and individual giving teams and open our organizations up to even greater opportunity. In the episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell sits down with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Kevin McMahon & Jon Thompson. This dynamic team will dig into how looking at peer-to-peer fundraisers through the lens of lifetime value has shifted their overall philosophy and strategies behind their signature P2P events. In this episode, we’ll also explore:
Mentioned Links Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 10 Sep 2024 | Curating Space For Emotional Healing At P2P Events with Colorectal Cancer Alliance's Chelsea Edwards | 00:32:36 | |
Champions of the peer-to-peer industry understand that P2P events go far beyond just fundraising, raising awareness or building community. For those directly affected by our causes, these events can provide a powerful outlet for emotional healing—a meaningful way to take action, mourn, celebrate and feel less isolated in their struggles.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell of P2PPF is joined by Chelsea Edwards, Senior Director of Peer-to-Peer Giving at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, to discuss the recent transformation of the organization’s flagship event from the Undy Run to the Walk To End Colon Cancer. Together, they explore the motivations behind this shift and the strategic decision to redesign the event to better serve those diagnosed with colorectal cancer and their loved ones, rather than just the general public. Chelsea delves into how their new signature experience, “A Moment of Unsilence,” was developed and the profound impact it has had on the community. This episode also covers:
Mentioned Links
Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 30 Jan 2024 | Unlocking Growth Through A Strong Partnership With Marketing With National MS Society’s Marisa Hull & Peter Fryer | 00:39:38 | |
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:
Mentioned Links On Social: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube &Twitter/X Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with PeterConnect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 27 Aug 2024 | Expanding Your Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Portfolio with City of Hope’s Robyn Mendez | 00:36:34 | |
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:
Mentioned Links On Social: Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 23 Apr 2024 | Reconnecting Your P2P Strategies To Your “Why” With American Heart Association’s Kim Slone | 00:27:02 | |
Being a leader in the peer-to-peer world can feel like a whirlwind of demands. Stay relevant. Innovate. Stick to the fundamentals. Explore new revenue streams. Prioritize effectively. Cultivate meaningful relationships. It’s a lot to juggle and can leave even the most seasoned leader feeling a bit dizzy. In the midst of this whirlwind, it’s crucial not to lose sight of our "why" - the reason we embarked on a career in the nonprofit sector in the first place and also why we joined our respective organizations. In this episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Kim Slone, Executive Vice President for Development and Community Health of the American Heart Association, which was recently recognized as the 2024 Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum Organization Of The Year . They delve into how this century-old organization remains relevant to today's volunteers and supporters, the importance of building relationships with internal colleagues & volunteers, and how all of this can be accomplished by staying true to your “why”. In this episode, we’ll also explore:
Mentioned Links
Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 21 May 2024 | Empowering Today's Volunteer Leaders with American Cancer Society's Bryan Sherwood | 00:29:18 | |
Long before nonprofit organizations had local offices and national program leads, peer-to-peer fundraising thrived through the dedication of volunteer leaders passionate about raising money for causes they loved. While volunteer management remains a critical strategy for the success of our events, it is often an elusive task for many organizations. Identifying the right people, placing them in suitable roles, empowering them to make decision and holding them accountable can be challenging - and time-consuming. As a result, it's often tempting to handle the work ourselves. However, this approach limits our potential to expand our reach and influence within the community. In the episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Bryan Sherwood, Senior Director for Relay For Life at the American Cancer Society (ACS). Bryan will share his personal journey from local and national volunteer to national program lead. Together, they explore how the volunteer experience and volunteer expectations have evolved over the years, particularly in the post-pandemic era. Bryan also highlights the key qualities his team seeks when identifying new volunteer leaders. Additionally, this episode covers:
Instagram: @relayforlife Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 29 Aug 2023 | Understanding & Learning From Your P2P Customers with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ Mike Kinney | 00:31:18 | |
In recent years, customer expectations have rapidly evolved. We've shifted from traditional grocery shopping to curbside pick-up, in-person doctor's visits to telehealth appointments, and gym memberships to home fitness setups. What we wanted as customers just a few years ago is not what we want now.
The first and most critical step is taking the time to listen and understand how their needs, preferences, and pain points have changed - and bring them in to the evolutionary process. Consistent customer engagement will not only nurture trust and long-lasting connections, but also fuel innovation, ensuring your relevance in a dynamic market. In this episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Mike Kinney, VP of Program Strategy & Community Experience at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Mike and Marcie discuss CMN Hospital’s two signature peer-to-peer programs, Miracle Network Dance Marathon and Extra Life - both members of the 2022 US Top 30 - and how they prioritize deep relationship building and continuous active listening to stay on top of rising trends. They also dig into the mysteries of Gen Z, the next generation of fundraisers and donors.
Mentioned Links Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Miracel Network Dance Marathon Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 27 Feb 2024 | Recapping The 2023 P2P Top 30, Benchmarks & Trends | 00:09:31 | |
At the 2024 Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum conference in Philadephia, we unveiled the P2P Fundraising Top 30 programs for both the U.S. and Canada. This study compiled data from 134 programs, making it the largest P2P study ever. In this special solo episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell digs into the newly unveiled 2023 Top 30, highlighting top success stories, key benchmarks, and trends to watch for 2024. Mentioned Links
Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 13 Aug 2024 | Tapping Into The World of Gamers, Streamers & Influencers with Stand Up To Cancer’s Andy Steig | 00:34:40 | |
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.
Mentioned Links Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 07 Nov 2023 | Harnessing The Power Of Community Ambassadors with Movember’s Brittany Veneris | 00:32:58 | |
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:
Mentioned Links On Social: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube &Twitter/X Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 12 Sep 2023 | Uniting Corporate Social Impact & Peer-to-Peer Fundraising with Sport Clips’ Amanda Palm & St. Baldrick’s Foundations Robyn Raphael | 00:40:54 | |
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:
Mentioned Links @stbaldricks on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & Threads @sportclipshaircuts - Facebook, Instagram & TikTok Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 01 Jun 2023 | Welcome to The P2P Soapbox! | 00:02:19 | |
As peer-to-peer fundraising professionals, we are inherently passionate people. Passionate about our missions, our fundraisers, our events, our campaigns. We barely shy away from sharing our opinions. Whether it's the debate between back-to-basics, or searching for the next big idea, the battle of retention versus recruitment, or even our very strong feelings about T-shirts and registration fees. Welcome to The P2P Soapbox, a brand new podcast that amplifies the voices of our peer-to-peer fundraising community and gives us a platform, a soapbox, if you will, to discuss the hot topics facing our industry. This week, meet your host, Marcie Maxwell, and get to know a bit more about what you have to learn when you step up to the P2P Soap Box!
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| 09 Apr 2024 | Centering Your Fundraisers’ Needs In Your P2P Communication With World Vision USA’s Lyndsey Deane Ratchford | 00:38:50 | |
In the world of peer-to-peer fundraising, endurance events present a distinct set of challenges and opportunities. These events typically entail a much longer engagement window, offering both the chance to cultivate enduring relationships with participants and the hurdle of sustaining their involvement over an extended period of time. For many participants, the commitment required—both physically and in fundraising—can be daunting, especially for first-timers. As nonprofits, it's easy to focus our communication solely on fundraising goals and our mission, but in doing so, we may overlook a crucial aspect: supporting the individual athlete in their personal journey. In this episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by World Vision USA’s Lyndsey Deane Ratchford. They delve into the significance of crafting a fundraiser communication journey that revolves around the needs and motivations of their runners and discuss how these overarching concepts can translate into a comprehensive multi-channel messaging strategy.
- The value of creating custom messaging strategies for different demographic audiences - The power of vulnerability & empathy in peer-to-peer relationships - How to help your team prioritize participant-centric communication
Connect with LyndseyConnect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 03 Dec 2024 | Navigating Crisis During Event Week with Lurie Children’s Ted McCartan | 00:33:35 | |
The seasoned event fundraising professional knows that in-person events often bring unexpected challenges—whether it’s extreme weather, political unrest or medical emergencies.
This week, Marcie Maxwell is joined by Ted McCartan of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation. Ted shares the extraordinary story of how his team faced a cybersecurity attack just three days before one of their largest peer-to-peer fundraising events. Ted dives into how his team shifted into problem-solving mode, the immediate and long-term impact on their fundraising efforts and the lessons they learned through the ordeal. You’ll also hear insights on:
Mentioned Links Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago | Pediatric Medicine Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 04 Jul 2023 | Prioritizing Ethical Storytelling In Peer-to-Peer Events with Covenant House International’s Meghan Coan & Colleen Veldt | 00:34:26 | |
Have you ever stopped to question if your fundraising messaging is ethical? Despite our best intentions as professional fundraisers, it is crucial for us to recognize that certain traditional fundraising methods no longer hold up under scrutiny in 2023. In our efforts to showcase the serious need for donations with often sad, evocative imagery, we run the risk of contributing to a negative stereotype or, even worse, retraumatizing those we are trying to help. Or we paint a picture of perfect success stories, only to discount the very real challenges our organizations are trying to solve.
In today’s episode, we’ll explore:
Mentioned Links Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 26 Mar 2024 | Igniting A Mission-Driven Peer-to-Peer Community With Cure SMA’s Jesse Aynes & Kyle Houlihan | 00:39:05 | |
It seems obvious that peer-to-peer fundraising events would be designed with the organization's missions in mind.
However, amidst the critical logistics decisions, competing messaging priorities and the influence of multiple stakeholders, prioritizing a mission-centric approach can inadvertently take a back seat. In this episode, Cure SMA’s Jesse Aynes & Kyle Houlihan join P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell for a conversation on the importance of leading with a mission-first strategy. Kyle & Jesse will share how their team is expanding the Walk-n-Roll community by engaging direct mission providers and tell the story of how they launched a new on-site mission experience - and what they learned from it. In this episode, we’ll also explore: - The importance of a consistent branding & mission experience - and the distinction between the two - How their program is evolving to meet the needs and share the stories of the SMA community - The full-circle impact of the Walk-n-Roll program on Cure SMA’s mission Mentioned Links On Social: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube & Twitter/X Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with KyleConnect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 26 Sep 2023 | Bringing JEDI Principles To Life In Peer-to-Peer Events with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s Deb Barge | 00:40:38 | |
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:
Mentioned Links Big Brothers Big Sisters of America On Social: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube &Twitter/X Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 13 Feb 2024 | Creating A New Blueprint For DIY Fundraising with Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Becky Mitts | 00:33:06 | |
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:
Mentioned Links On Social: Instagram, YouTube &Twitter/X Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with BeckyConnect with Marcie Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 16 Jan 2024 | Raising The Bar For Your Peer-to-Peer Fundraisers with Pan-Mass Challenge’s Jarrett Collins | 00:37:56 | |
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:
Mentioned Links On Social: Facebook, Instagram &Twitter/X Stay Connected on LinkedIn | |||
| 24 Sep 2024 | Mobilizing The Next Generation Of Fundraisers with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Laurie Benner | 00:25:34 | |
One of the most pressing questions facing the peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising industry is, "How do we better engage the next generation of fundraisers?" With each generational shift, it can be daunting to understand the motivations of the emerging group and adapt to their preferences. Gen Z and young Millennials, now aged 12 to 30, are no exception. Their expectations for transparency, community and social responsibility demand that P2P programs move beyond cookie-cutter fundraising approaches, focusing instead on building trust, fostering meaningful connections, and empowering personal autonomy. In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Laurie Benner, the Interim VP, Signature Programs at the Canadian Cancer Society, to chat about the organization’s fastest growing P2P campaign, Relay For Life Youth Program. Together, they discuss how and why the organization has placed a strategic emphasis on the Gen Z & Young Millennial demographic and dig into the unique lessons learned about youth volunteers, including communication preferences and messaging. This episode also covers:
Mentioned Links Instagram: @YouthRelay Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 12 Mar 2024 | Accelerating P2P Growth With Data-Driven Strategies With NAMI’s Mary Sorensen & Morgan Sills | 00:36:54 | |
At its core, peer-to-peer fundraising is built on relationship-building and community - it’s all about the people. And at the same time, the most successful fundraising campaigns are equally driven by the numbers. With hundreds of events, thousands of participants and an extensive supporter base, even minor adjustments can have an exponential impact, meaning it is critical to understand your key performance indicators and build intentional strategies to both maintain and grow each one. In the episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Mary Sorensen & Morgan Sills of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Mary & Morgan will delve into how their team is drilling down into their data from the national program level to individual markets and even to individual teams and fundraisers to find their greatest areas of opportunity for NAMIWalks. In this episode, we’ll also explore: - How small changes can lead to exponential growth - Using data to gain strategy buy-in - How to customize communications based on data Mentioned Links On Social: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn &Twitter/X Stay Connected on LinkedIn | |||
| 20 Jun 2023 | Making The Case For A Dedicated Revenue Innovation Team with Share Our Strength’s Carla Warner | 00:37:34 | |
In 2014, every professional fundraiser was asked the same question - “What’s the next Ice Bucket Challenge?” In the short term, this remarkably successful and straightforward viral campaign, which benefitted The ALS Association, sparked a surge of poorly conceived and unsustainable copycat campaigns, but in the long term, forced the industry into a state of evolution. Innovation has consistently remained one of the hottest buzzwords in our industry, as we seek out "the next million-dollar idea." In an rapidly evolving world where technology and donor expectations are constantly shifting, and resources are limited in terms of staffing and donor dollars, staying ahead becomes increasingly challenging without a dedicated innovation team In this episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Carla Warner, Senior Director of Revenue Innovation at Share Our Strength, the nonprofit behind the No Kid Hungry campaign. They’ll dig into the secrets and success stories of Carla’s dedicated revenue innovation team, from incubation to operationalization, and why peer-to-peer fundraising has been the main driver behind their new initiatives. In today’s episode, we’ll explore:
Mentioned Links
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
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| 10 Oct 2023 | Leveraging Your Unique Personal Experience In Leadership with Pelotonia’s Joe Apgar | 00:42:07 | |
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:
Mentioned Links On Social: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube &Twitter/X Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 31 Jul 2024 | Partnering With Fundraisers Who Go Above & Beyond with Scott & Katy Freitag and ZERO Prostate Cancer's Tracy Cameron | 00:48:00 | |
As peer-to-peer leaders, we dedicate considerable effort to planning events, building resources, and crafting communications—all aimed at inspiring our constituents to fundraise. Our systems are designed to facilitate mass participation. But what happens when an individual reaches out with their own ambitious fundraising goals, seeking to go above and beyond for your cause? If we handle these “lightning in a bottle” moments with care, they can offer profound opportunities for stewardship, storytelling, and mission-building. In the first episode of Season 3, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Scott and Katy Freitag, recipients of the 2024 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award, presented at the 2024 Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum Conference in Philadelphia. With Scott cycling and Katy driving an RV, the couple recently completed an 11,000-mile bike journey across the U.S., raising funds for several organizations, including ZERO Prostate Cancer. We are also joined by their staff partner, Tracy Cameron, ZERO’s Upper Midwest Chapter Director. Scott and Katy will share stories from their journey, including how they stayed motivated, their proven best practices for fundraising, and what they sought in a charity partner. Tracy will discuss how the ZERO team supported their yearlong efforts and how they leveraged Scott and Katy’s story to advance their mission. Additionally, this episode will cover:
Mentioned Links Instagram: @zeroprostatecancer Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 05 Nov 2024 | Casting A Wider Net For P2P Growth with the American Diabetes Association’s Megan Gavin | 00:20:47 | |
As many P2P programs strive to expand, organizations often grapple with a core question: should they focus resources on deepening engagement with current supporters or invest in acquiring new ones? The answer isn’t always one strategy over the other—it’s important to consider your mission’s scope. For causes that directly impact millions, investing in participant acquisition can also help drive broader awareness and connect more people to essential services and support. For missions affecting a smaller community, creating deeper connections and boosting engagement may be more effective. In today’s episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with industry veteran Megan Gavin, Vice President of Field Campaign and Community Initiatives at the American Diabetes Association. They dive into how her team developed a strategic plan to drive exponential growth for their flagship P2P event, Step Out Walk, aiming to engage more of the 38 million people living with diabetes in the U.S. Tune in as they also discuss: - Using data to guide staff toward high-impact activities - Leveraging AI tools for lead generation - The critical role of effective event leadership Mentioned Links On Facebook (@American Diabetes Association), X (@AmDiabetesAssn), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn) Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 18 Jul 2023 | Reframing The Role of "Fundraising Coaches" In A Digital World with National Kidney Foundation’s Deanna van Lear | 00:32:48 | |
Not too long ago, peer-to-peer fundraisers relied on letter-writing, phone calls, and pledge envelopes to raise money for their favorite causes. Now, we we have email, countless social media channels and mobile apps literally at our fingertips, making it even easier to fundraise. In theory, right? However, the latest technology alone isn't enough for successful peer-to-peer fundraising. The most valuable resource for a peer-to-peer fundraiser is a great staff partner who guides them towards achieving their goals and making a real impact for the causes they love. But the shift to a remote working environment and turnover in many front-line fundraiser roles, the importance of our staff’s role as fundraising coach has been lost. In this episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Deanna van Lear, the National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney WalkNational Director. The duo swap stories about the early 2000s, highlighting the differences and similarities between peer-to-peer fundraising then and now. They also discuss the essential need for professional fundraisers to adapt to the ever-changing landscape. In today’s episode, we’ll explore:
Mentioned Links Stay Connected on LinkedIn
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| 24 Oct 2023 | Building Deep Relationships With Fundraisers with Make-A-Wish America’s Katie Wood & Make-A-Wish Alabama’s Valerie Cunningham-Trainer | 00:40:47 | |
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:
Mentioned Links On Social: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube &Twitter/X On Social: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube &Twitter/X Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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| 06 Jun 2023 | Championing Peer-to-Peer Fundraising From The Top-Down with Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Julie Fleshman & Peter Cashion | 00:34:04 | |
Despite raising over $1 billion in 2022, peer-to-peer fundraising often fails to receive the recognition it deserves in the world of development and even from the top leadership within nonprofit organizations. There is an ever-present notion that "Walks are dead," but these misguided voices fail to comprehend the true power of peer-to-peer fundraising.
It is only when organizational leaders grasp the potential of peer-to-peer fundraising that we can elevate our efforts to unparalleled levels of success. In this inaugural episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Julie Fleshman, President & CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) and Peter Cashion, Purple Stride team captain and member of the PanCAN Board of Directors. Peter was also the winner of the 2023 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award presented at the 2023 Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum Conference in Washington, DC. Both Julie & Peter share their very personal stories of losing a loved one to pancreatic cancer - and how they have find new purpose in fundraising and a sense of community through PanCAN’s signature event, Purple Stride. They also discuss how they are deepening their Board’s engagement with peer-to-peer fundraising and the impact that has on their staff and volunteers.
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
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| 22 Oct 2024 | Rebroadcast • Prioritizing Ethical Storytelling In Peer-to-Peer Events with Covenant House International’s Meghan Coan & Colleen Veldt | 00:35:06 | |
Have you ever stopped to question if your fundraising messaging is ethical? Despite our best intentions as professional fundraisers, it is crucial for us to recognize that certain traditional fundraising methods no longer hold up under scrutiny in 2023. In our efforts to showcase the serious need for donations with often sad, evocative imagery, we run the risk of contributing to a negative stereotype or, even worse, retraumatizing those we are trying to help. Or we paint a picture of perfect success stories, only to discount the very real challenges our organizations are trying to solve.
In today’s episode, we’ll explore:
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| 15 Aug 2023 | Fostering An Authentic & Inclusive Event Experience with AIDS/LifeCycle’s Tracy Evans | 00:46:00 | |
I love to ask people, “What’s the best event you’ve ever attended? And why?”
Most often, a person’s favorite event boils down to its community - a group of like-minded people coming together to celebrate or accomplish or support a common cause. Without a focus on building an authentic and inclusive community, our walks and runs and rides risk blending together and losing their distinctiveness. In this episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell is joined by Tracy Evans, Race Director of AIDS/LifeCycle, a fully-supported, seven-day bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, raising money for both the Los Angeles LGBT Center and San Francisco AIDS Foundation. AIDS/LifeCycle was recognized as the 2023 Program of the Year at the last Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum conference. Tracy shares insights into how they have cultivated one of the industry's largest event personalities. We’ll discover the behind-the-scenes efforts that make their cyclist community thrive not only during the event itself, but also throughout the year. Tracy also discusses intentional steps taken by AIDS/LifeCycle to foster inclusivity and the positive results they have achieved. In today’s episode, we’ll explore:
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| 01 Aug 2023 | Adopting A "Plus-Up" Mentality For Growth with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Jana Bearden | 00:35:20 | |
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for peer-to-peer fundraising events. The most successful programs excel in different ways, some by engaging corporate teams, others by involving family and community teams. While some programs consist of numerous smaller events, others focus on a select number of large-scale events. The revenue sources also vary, with some programs heavily reliant on sponsorships and others predominantly driven by peer-to-peer fundraising. Rather than relying on a single strategy, top-performing programs leverage various approaches to find success. Top fundraising programs are always seeking opportunities for small-scale enhancements that, when combined, can lead to exponential growth. In this episode, join Marcie Maxwell from P2PPF as she sits down with Jana Bearden, the Vice President for Campaign Development, Community Initiatives at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). They will dig into the secrets behind Light The Night's remarkable revenue rebound post-pandemic and discuss how incremental changes are generating significant results. In today’s episode, we’ll explore:
Mentioned Links The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Instagram Stay Connected on LinkedIn Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
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