“Don’t give until it hurts. Give until it feels good.”
I heard this advice from an old mentor of mine. He said it in the context of broad philanthropy, but it’s especially true for peer-to-peer fundraising.
When a friend asks you to donate to a cause that is near and dear to their heart, it feels good to say yes.
It feels good because you’re not just giving to a nonprofit, you’re showing up for someone you care about.
There is an electric power in social connections. When nonprofits equip their Ambassadors to reach out to their own friends and family, they implement the most efficient donor acquisition process I have ever seen.
When someone you know asks you to give, it feels meaningful. You’re not just donating; you’re strengthening a relationship.
We naturally care about the people in our lives. If your friend says, “This organization changed my life,” that carries way more weight than any perfectly crafted marketing message. You give because you want to support your friend and feel part of something bigger.
The real beauty of peer-to-peer fundraising is the ripple effect. Every participant brings in their own network, creating a web of new connections. Suddenly, the organization isn’t just reaching its usual audience, it’s tapping into circles it would never have reached otherwise.
But it’s more than just raising money. It builds community. Supporters aren’t just donors anymore; they become advocates. They feel ownership over the success of the campaign, and that connection lasts long after the fundraiser ends.
At the end of the day, peer-to-peer fundraising works because it feels human. It’s not about slick marketing or catchy slogans. It’s about people helping people, driven by relationships and genuine care. When a friend asks for support, you say yes because it feels good to be there for them. And that kind of connection is powerful.
It empowers people to give until it feels good.
