Your supporters spend their time on social media, but most fundraising platforms are designed to pull them away to an external donation page. This creates friction and missed opportunities to build real connections. The most effective fundraising happens when you meet people where they already are. This article explores peer-to-peer platforms built for the way we connect today. We’ll compare tools that integrate directly into social media, turning followers into active fundraisers through engaging community experiences. You’ll learn how the latest peer-to-peer donation platform uses direct messaging and group challenges to create authentic relationships and drive more donations from the audience you’ve already built.

Key Takeaways

• Equip your fundraisers for success: A great platform is just a tool; your real success comes from providing supporters with compelling stories, easy-to-use toolkits, and consistent encouragement to help them reach their goals.
• Match the platform to your nonprofit's reality: Instead of searching for the "best" platform, define your specific needs first. Consider your budget, team size, and where your supporters are most active to find a tool that fits your organization, not the other way around.
• Ease of use is non-negotiable for everyone: The right platform must be intuitive for your internal team, simple for your fundraisers to set up their pages, and seamless for donors to give on any device. Friction at any step leads to lost donations.

First, What is a Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Platform?

At its core, peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising is when you empower your most passionate supporters to raise money on your behalf. Instead of just asking for a single donation from one person, you give them the tools to ask their own networks—friends, family, and colleagues—to contribute to your cause. Think of it as a ripple effect. One supporter can inspire dozens of new donations you might never have received otherwise.

This is often called social fundraising, and you’ve likely seen it in action with birthday fundraisers or virtual fitness events. A peer-to-peer fundraising platform is the software that makes all of this possible. It gives your supporters a personal fundraising page they can customize with their story, set a goal, and share easily across their social media channels.

For your nonprofit, the platform acts as a mission control center. It’s where you can track overall campaign progress, see which fundraisers are bringing in the most donations, and collect valuable donor data. More importantly, it’s how you can communicate with and encourage your fundraisers. Modern platforms are built to meet supporters where they already are, helping you build relationships through channels like Facebook Challenges and automated messaging.

Essentially, these platforms turn your community into an extension of your fundraising team. They help you tap into new audiences and build stronger, more personal connections with the people who care most about your work, which is key to improving donor retention over the long term.

8 Top Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Platforms to Consider

Choosing the right peer-to-peer platform can feel like a huge decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The best platform for your nonprofit really comes down to your specific goals, your budget, and where your supporters are most active. Are you looking to build a community on social media? Do you need a simple, low-cost option to get started? Or are you searching for an all-in-one solution with tons of bells and whistles?

To help you find the perfect fit, we’ve put together a list of eight top-tier platforms. Each one brings something different to the table, from innovative social fundraising tools to beautiful, easy-to-customize campaign pages. Think of this as your starting point for exploring what’s possible. As you read through, consider which features align with your team’s capacity and your organization’s long-term vision for supporter engagement.

GoodUnited

GoodUnited takes a unique approach by focusing on where your supporters already spend their time: social media. Instead of just giving you a page, it helps you turn social followers into donors through one-on-one conversations in direct messages. It’s built around concepts like Facebook Challenges, which rally communities around a shared activity and fundraising goal. This platform is ideal for nonprofits that have an active social media presence and want to build deeper, more personal relationships with their supporters at scale. It’s less about a static donation page and more about creating an interactive, community-driven fundraising experience directly within social platforms.

Classy

Classy is a powerhouse in the nonprofit world, known for its beautiful, highly customizable fundraising websites. It’s an all-in-one platform that supports a wide range of campaigns, including peer-to-peer, crowdfunding, and events. If you’re looking for a polished and professional look that you can tailor to your brand, Classy is a strong contender. Its robust features and analytics make it a great fit for mid-sized to large organizations that want a comprehensive solution to manage their online fundraising efforts and provide a seamless experience for their supporters from start to finish.

Donorbox

If you’re looking for simplicity and affordability, Donorbox is an excellent choice. It’s incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to get a peer-to-peer campaign up and running in minutes. While it may not have all the advanced features of larger platforms, it covers the essentials beautifully. Donorbox is known for its straightforward donation forms that you can embed on your website, and its peer-to-peer functionality is just as easy to use. It’s a fantastic option for smaller nonprofits or any organization that needs a reliable, cost-effective fundraising tool without a steep learning curve.

GiveLively

GiveLively stands out for one major reason: it’s free for nonprofits to use. The platform is funded by a philanthropist, so there are no setup fees, monthly subscriptions, or platform fees. They offer a solid suite of tools, including peer-to-peer fundraising pages, event ticketing, and text-to-donate capabilities. This makes it an incredibly attractive option for organizations with tight budgets. While it might be less customizable than some paid alternatives, GiveLively provides the core features you need to run successful campaigns and direct more money toward your mission.

Bonfire

Want to try a more creative approach to peer-to-peer fundraising? Bonfire lets your supporters raise money by designing and selling custom apparel. Fundraisers can create t-shirts, hoodies, and other merchandise with your branding, and Bonfire handles all the printing and shipping. It’s a fun and engaging way to raise funds while also spreading awareness for your cause. This model is perfect for nonprofits with a strong visual brand or for campaigns where you want to give supporters a tangible way to show their pride. It’s a great way to combine fundraising with merchandise without any upfront inventory costs.

JustGiving

As one of the most established platforms in the space, JustGiving has a massive global reach and a name that many donors already trust. It’s incredibly simple for individuals to set up a fundraising page for a cause they care about, making it a go-to for personal challenges and tribute funds. For nonprofits, this means you can tap into a large, existing network of fundraisers. While it may offer less direct brand control than other platforms, its ease of use and social proof make it a powerful tool for engaging individual supporters who want to make a difference.

GoFundMe Charity

Leveraging the name recognition of the world’s largest social fundraising platform, GoFundMe Charity is now part of Classy, combining powerful nonprofit features with a familiar, user-friendly interface. Supporters who have used GoFundMe for personal causes will find it easy to start fundraising for your organization. The platform emphasizes storytelling and social sharing, helping your supporters connect with their networks on a personal level. It’s a solid choice for nonprofits looking for a trusted and versatile fundraising solution that taps into a well-known brand.

Fundrazr

Fundrazr is a flexible platform that prides itself on supporting a wide variety of fundraising needs. Whether you’re running a traditional peer-to-peer campaign, a crowdfunding effort, or even a wishlist-style fundraiser, Fundrazr has tools to help. It integrates well with social media, making it easy for your supporters to share their campaigns with their networks. The platform’s adaptability makes it a good fit for organizations that run different types of campaigns throughout the year and need a tool that can keep up. It’s a versatile choice for nonprofits looking for a flexible fundraising platform.

How Do the Platforms' Key Features Compare?

When you start looking at peer-to-peer fundraising platforms, you’ll notice they all promise similar things: to help you raise more money by empowering your supporters. But the real difference is in the details. How a platform handles everything from your branding to its social sharing tools can have a huge impact on your campaign's success and your team's sanity.

Choosing the right platform means looking past the flashy homepage and digging into the core features that will actually drive your strategy. Does it make it easy for your fundraisers to share their stories? Can you get the data you need to see what’s working? Is the donation process seamless on a smartphone? These are the questions that separate an okay platform from a great one. Let's break down the key features you should compare to find the perfect fit for your nonprofit.

Customization and Branding

Your peer-to-peer campaign is an extension of your nonprofit’s brand. Donors should instantly recognize your logo, colors, and messaging, which builds trust and credibility. The best platforms give you control over the look and feel of your main campaign page. But great customization goes a step further. It also allows your individual fundraisers to make their pages their own.

Your supporters should be able to add their own stories, photos, and videos. This personal touch is what inspires their friends and family to donate. Look for a platform that strikes the right balance, letting you maintain brand consistency while empowering your fundraisers to share their personal connection to your cause. This combination of professional branding and authentic storytelling is what makes peer-to-peer so powerful.

Social Media Integration

Since peer-to-peer fundraising lives and breathes on social media, this feature is non-negotiable. With nearly a third of donors saying they’re inspired to give by social media, you need a platform that makes sharing effortless. At a minimum, look for prominent, easy-to-use sharing buttons for Facebook, Instagram, X, and other relevant networks.

But modern integration goes beyond simple share buttons. The best platforms are built to work within social media, not just send people away from it. Think about tools that help you engage supporters directly in their DMs or provide ready-to-use templates and images that make your fundraisers’ posts stand out. The goal is to remove every possible bit of friction so that sharing their fundraising page becomes a natural, easy part of their social media activity.

Mobile and User Experience

Your supporters and their potential donors are on their phones. If your fundraising page is clunky, slow, or hard to use on a mobile device, you’ll lose donations. A smooth mobile experience is critical for every step of the process, from a fundraiser signing up to a donor making a payment. Test the platform’s mobile interface yourself to see how intuitive it really is.

Don’t forget about the user experience for your own team. A platform with a confusing backend will only create more work and frustration. It should be simple for your staff to set up campaigns, track progress, and support your fundraisers. A great user experience keeps everyone engaged, whether it’s a donor making a quick gift or a fundraiser participating in a Facebook Challenge.

Reporting and Analytics

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Strong reporting and analytics tools are essential for understanding your campaign’s performance and making smart decisions for the future. Your platform should give you an easy-to-read dashboard that shows key metrics at a glance, like total funds raised, number of donors, and top-performing fundraisers.

Look for the ability to drill down into the data. Can you see which social media channels are driving the most donations? Can you easily track individual and team progress? Features like fundraising thermometers and leaderboards aren’t just for show; they’re visual reporting tools that create excitement and encourage friendly competition. Having access to this data helps you identify what’s working and where you can offer more support to your fundraisers.

Security and Compliance

Nothing undermines donor trust faster than a security issue. Your chosen platform must be secure and compliant with payment processing standards. Look for a platform that is explicitly PCI compliant, which means it follows strict security rules for handling credit card information. This is the industry standard and is an absolute must-have.

Beyond that, check for other security measures that protect you and your donors. Does the platform encrypt data? Does it offer multi-factor authentication for your team to log in securely? Donors are handing over sensitive personal and financial information. It’s your responsibility to ensure the platform you choose takes protecting that data seriously. A secure platform shows your supporters that you value their trust as much as their donations.

Let's Talk Money: A Look at Pricing and Fees

Understanding the price tag of a peer-to-peer platform can feel like decoding a secret language. The costs aren't always straightforward, and what looks like a great deal at first might come with hidden fees. Let's break down the different pricing models so you know exactly what you’re paying for and can find a solution that truly fits your nonprofit's budget.

Platform Fees vs. Transaction Fees

Most platforms have two main types of fees: platform fees and transaction fees. Think of the platform fee as your subscription—it’s what you pay to use the software. This could be a monthly or yearly fee, a one-time cost per campaign, or sometimes it’s free for a basic plan. Then you have transaction fees, which are small percentages taken from each donation. These typically cover the cost of processing the credit card payment and sometimes include an extra slice for the platform itself. It's essential to understand both to calculate the true cost of any platform.

Payment Processing Costs

Those small transaction fees can really add up, so it’s important to know the numbers. Most platforms charge somewhere between 2% and 4% per donation, plus a small fixed amount (like 30 cents). Some platforms have tiered rates, charging a different percentage for your main campaign versus supporter-led campaigns. A key feature to look for is the option for donors to cover these fees. When supporters choose to chip in a little extra, it means 100% of their intended donation goes directly to your cause. This simple feature can make a significant impact on your campaign's bottom line.

The Price of "Extra" Features

You’ve probably seen platforms that advertise themselves as "free," and while that sounds tempting, it’s smart to look closer. Often, these free plans come with major limitations or don't include the features you actually need to run a successful campaign, like robust reporting or customization options. Before you sign up, make a list of your must-haves. Then, check if those are included in the standard package or if they’re considered "extra" features that come with a higher price tag. You don't want to get halfway through setting up your campaign only to hit a paywall for an essential tool that makes it all work.

How Transparent is the Pricing?

When you're comparing platforms, look for clear and transparent pricing. A trustworthy provider will have a straightforward pricing page that explains all potential costs without making you dig for them. As you evaluate your options, consider your nonprofit's size, campaign goals, and overall budget. Don't just look at the monthly fee; factor in the transaction fees and any potential add-on costs. If the pricing isn't clear, don't hesitate to schedule a demo and ask for a detailed quote. The right partner will be happy to walk you through their pricing structure and help you find the best fit.

What Are Real Users Saying?

Marketing materials and product demos are great, but they only tell one side of the story. To get the full picture, you need to hear from the people who use these platforms every day. Digging into user reviews helps you understand the real-world pros and cons, moving beyond promised features to see how they actually perform. It’s where you’ll find out if a platform is truly intuitive or secretly a headache to manage, if the customer support is actually supportive, and if the promised integrations really work. This is your chance to learn from others' experiences before you commit.

Think of it as getting honest advice from a peer over coffee. They'll tell you what they love, what drives them crazy, and what they wish they'd known before signing a contract. They’ll give you the unfiltered truth about everything from hidden fees to how long it really takes to get a campaign live. We've sifted through the feedback to highlight the four key areas that come up again and again. Here’s a breakdown of what current users are talking about—the good, the bad, and the deal-breakers.

Ease of Setup and Management

A platform should make your life easier, not add another layer of complexity. When you’re reading reviews, pay close attention to comments about the setup process and day-to-day management. A truly user-friendly platform is intuitive for both your internal team and your volunteer fundraisers. If your supporters find it difficult to create and share their pages, they’re less likely to participate. Look for feedback that highlights a simple onboarding process and straightforward campaign tools. The goal is to spend your time building relationships and raising funds, not troubleshooting technical issues.

Quality of Customer Support

When a donor has trouble with a payment or a fundraiser can’t log in, you need help—fast. Responsive and knowledgeable customer support is non-negotiable. Reviews often reveal the true nature of a company’s support team. Do users mention quick response times and helpful solutions? Or are they frustrated by automated replies and unresolved tickets? Remember, the support experience reflects on your organization, as supporters see the platform as an extension of your brand. A seamless checkout process and reliable service are critical for building donor trust.

How They Work with Other Tools

Your fundraising platform doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It needs to play well with your other essential systems, especially your CRM. A common frustration for nonprofits is dealing with data silos, where information is trapped in one system and can’t be shared with another. This leads to duplicate work and an incomplete view of your supporters. Look for platforms that offer robust integrations. When your tools communicate effectively, you can track a supporter’s entire journey, from their first social media interaction to their latest donation, without spending hours manually transferring data between spreadsheets.

Common Complaints and Red Flags

While you’ll see plenty of glowing reviews, it’s the critical ones that often teach you the most. Keep an eye out for recurring themes. Are users consistently complaining about a clunky page editor, a lack of customization options, or confusing processing fees? These are major red flags. Hidden costs and a rigid platform can quickly undermine your campaign’s success. Also, notice if the platform seems designed only for one-off events, which can cause engagement to drop off afterward. Reading through fundraising software reviews can help you spot these patterns and avoid a platform that isn’t built for long-term growth.

Common P2P Fundraising Challenges (and How to Solve Them)

Peer-to-peer fundraising is an incredible way to expand your reach and bring in new donors, but it’s not always a walk in the park. When you empower your supporters to fundraise for you, you introduce new variables and potential hurdles. From messy data to keeping everyone on message, these challenges are common for nonprofits of all sizes. The good news? They are all solvable. With the right strategy and tools, you can turn these potential pain points into opportunities to strengthen your campaigns and build deeper relationships with your community.

Disconnected Data and Tools

If you’re juggling multiple platforms for events, donations, and communication, you’ve probably felt the pain of disconnected data. When your tools don’t talk to each other, you end up with data silos and a ton of duplicate work just to get a clear picture of your campaign’s performance. This pulls your team away from strategic work and into a mess of spreadsheets. The solution is to find a platform that either serves as a central hub or integrates seamlessly with your existing CRM and marketing tools. A unified tech ecosystem reduces errors, saves precious staff time, and gives you the clean data you need to make smarter decisions for future campaigns.

Keeping Fundraisers On-Brand

Handing the megaphone to your supporters is powerful, but it can also feel like you’re losing control of your brand’s message. You need to oversee the efforts to ensure the messaging is consistent and compelling. The best way to do this is by empowering your fundraisers with everything they need to succeed. Create a simple, accessible digital toolkit with on-brand assets like logos, photos, and pre-written social media posts or email templates. By making it easy for them to share your story accurately, you maintain brand integrity while allowing their authentic passion to shine through. This approach helps you maximize donations and ensures a cohesive campaign experience for everyone.

Moving Beyond Generic Messages

In a world full of noise, a generic "thank you for your donation" message just doesn't cut it. When communication is impersonal, you miss huge opportunities to make your fundraisers and their donors feel seen and valued. Personalization is key to building real relationships. Instead of mass emails, consider using direct messaging on social media to send tailored thank-yous and updates. You can segment your communications based on fundraising milestones, donation amounts, or whether someone is a first-time donor. These small, personal touches show supporters they aren’t just a number on a dashboard, making them feel more connected to your mission and more likely to stay involved.

Keeping Donors Engaged Long-Term

A successful P2P campaign often brings in a wave of new donors, which is fantastic. The challenge is preventing them from being one-time supporters. Donor retention is one of the biggest hurdles for nonprofits, and the work doesn't stop when the campaign ends. You need a plan to nurture these new relationships. Start by promptly thanking every donor and sharing the specific impact of their contribution. Then, invite them to become a deeper part of your community by following you on social media or signing up for your newsletter. Building and nurturing these relationships is how you turn a one-time gift into long-term, passionate support for your cause.

Helping Fundraisers Feel Confident

For many of your supporters, the hardest part of P2P fundraising is the "ask." The fear of rejection is real, and it can stop passionate advocates from ever getting started. Your job is to replace that fear with confidence. Provide your fundraisers with coaching, clear instructions, and simple, copy-and-paste scripts they can adapt. Create a supportive community, like a dedicated Facebook Group for your Facebook Challenge participants, where they can share successes and ask questions. When you celebrate their efforts and give them the tools to feel prepared, you empower them to become incredible ambassadors for your cause.

How to Get the Most from Your Peer-to-Peer Campaign

Choosing the right platform is just the first step. The real success of your peer-to-peer campaign comes down to your strategy. Even the most advanced software won't work if you don't have a plan to inspire and empower your supporters. While your community is doing the fundraising, your nonprofit needs to guide the effort to maximize donations and ensure the campaign hits its mark. Think of your role as the director of a play: you provide the script, the stage, and the support, but you let your actors—your fundraisers—shine.

This means creating a framework that makes it easy for them to succeed, providing them with compelling stories to share, and cheering them on every step of the way. When you invest in your fundraisers' experience, they become more confident, more effective, and more likely to participate again in the future. A great P2P strategy isn't just about hitting a number; it's about building a stronger, more engaged community around your cause. Here’s how you can set them, and your campaign, up for success.

Set Clear Goals and Expectations

Before you even think about launching, you need to know what you want to achieve. A clear goal gives your fundraisers a finish line to run toward. Go beyond just a dollar amount. Are you trying to acquire a certain number of new donors? Engage a new demographic? Build awareness for a specific program? Set clear, measurable goals and communicate them to everyone involved. Make sure your expectations are realistic for your supporters, too. When your fundraisers understand the "why" behind the number and feel the goal is attainable, they become much more motivated to help you get there.

Create Content People Want to Share

Your supporters are your best storytellers, so give them the right material to work with. Reports show that donors care about details, with 42% giving because of a compelling story. Create a simple digital toolkit with high-quality photos, videos, and pre-written social media posts that fundraisers can easily copy, paste, and personalize. Focus on emotional, impactful narratives that connect their personal networks to your mission. Provide a few different story angles so they can choose what resonates most with them. The easier you make it for them to share authentic, powerful content, the more effective their outreach will be.

Train and Support Your Fundraisers

Most of your supporters aren't professional fundraisers, so don't assume they know what to do. You need to equip them with a robust toolkit that builds their confidence. This doesn't have to be a formal, hour-long training. You can create a simple one-page guide, a short video tutorial, or an automated email sequence with tips. Consider setting up a dedicated Facebook Group where they can ask questions and share successes. The goal is to provide ongoing support for your fundraisers so they feel capable and motivated from start to finish.

Use Social Media to Widen Your Reach

Peer-to-peer fundraising is inherently social, so lean into it. With about 32% of donors saying they’re inspired to give by social media, your campaign needs a strong digital presence. But it’s about more than just adding share buttons to a fundraising page. Encourage fundraisers to post updates, tag friends, and go live to talk about their progress. You can also use social media to create a central hub for your campaign, like a Facebook Challenge, where participants can connect with each other and your organization, building a true sense of community.

Make it Fun with Gamification and Incentives

A little friendly competition can go a long way. Use gamification to keep your fundraisers engaged and motivated throughout the campaign. Simple elements like leaderboards that track top individual fundraisers and teams can spark excitement. You can also offer badges for hitting certain milestones (like raising their first $100 or recruiting five friends) and give shout-outs in emails or on social media. These small rewards recognize effort and make the entire experience more enjoyable and interactive for everyone involved. Don't underestimate the power of a simple "thank you" and public recognition.

Keep the Momentum Going All Year

A successful P2P campaign doesn't end when the final donation comes in. This is your chance to build lasting relationships with a whole new group of supporters. Have a plan to thank your fundraisers and every single one of their donors. More importantly, find ways to keep them engaged. Invite them to join your email newsletter, follow you on social media, or join a volunteer day. By using tools like automated direct messaging, you can continue the conversation and nurture these new connections, turning one-time participants into lifelong advocates for your cause.

What Features Matter Most When Choosing a Platform?

With so many peer-to-peer platforms on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by feature lists and pricing tiers. The truth is, the "best" platform is the one that fits your organization's specific needs, budget, and goals. Instead of getting distracted by flashy bells and whistles, focus on the core functionalities that will actually help you run a successful campaign and build lasting relationships with your supporters. Think about what you need today and what you'll need a year from now. A little planning upfront will help you choose a partner that can support your growth for the long haul.

The Must-Have Technical Features

Before you even look at advanced features, make sure any platform you consider checks these essential boxes. First, it has to be easy for everyone to use—your team, your fundraisers, and your donors. If the setup is complicated or the donation process is clunky, people will simply give up. The platform must also securely gather and store donor information from your campaigns. This data is crucial for building relationships with new supporters long after the campaign ends. Finally, look for clear, transparent pricing. You should know exactly what you’re paying in platform and transaction fees without having to dig through the fine print.

Advanced Features That Are Worth It

Once the basics are covered, look for features that make fundraising more engaging and effective. Customizable fundraising pages for both individuals and teams are key, as they allow your supporters to share their personal stories. Features that add a bit of fun, like fundraising thermometers and leaderboards, can create friendly competition and keep momentum going. Since these campaigns live and breathe on social media, make sure the platform has simple, one-click sharing options. The best tools also integrate with your existing systems, like your donor management software, to keep all your data in one place and give you a complete picture of your supporter base.

Find a Platform That Can Grow with You

Choosing a fundraising platform is an investment in your nonprofit’s future. You need a tool that not only meets your current needs but can also scale as your organization grows. Think about your long-term strategy. Will this platform support more complex campaigns or a larger volume of donors down the line? Look for a partner that is continuously innovating and improving its product. Reading customer stories can give you a great sense of how a platform performs in the real world and supports nonprofits as they expand their fundraising efforts. The right platform simplifies your work and creates a better experience for everyone involved.

So, Which Platform is Right for Your Nonprofit?

Choosing the right peer-to-peer fundraising platform isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. The best tool for your organization depends entirely on your budget, team size, and long-term goals. A small nonprofit just getting started has very different needs than a national organization managing multiple complex campaigns. To help you find the right fit, let's break down some of the top options based on your organization's current stage. Think of this as a starting point to help you narrow down the field and find a platform that feels like a true partner in your mission.

It's about finding a system that supports your work without adding unnecessary complexity, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: connecting with your supporters and driving your cause forward. The goal is to find a solution that not only meets your current fundraising needs but can also adapt as you grow. Whether you're launching your very first campaign or looking to streamline a sophisticated, multi-channel strategy, the right platform will make your job easier and your campaigns more effective. We'll look at options tailored for small, mid-sized, and large organizations to help you identify the features and pricing models that align with your specific situation.

For Small Nonprofits with Limited Budgets

When you're operating on a lean budget, every dollar counts. You need a platform that delivers results without demanding a hefty upfront investment. For this reason, Donorbox is a popular choice, as it offers basic peer-to-peer features with no startup or monthly fees, making it incredibly accessible. Another excellent, budget-friendly option is Donately, which has a free plan that starts at $0 per month plus a 4% platform fee. This model allows you to get your fundraising campaigns up and running quickly, paying only a small percentage of the funds you raise, which is ideal when you're focused on maximizing your impact with limited resources.

For Mid-Sized Organizations Ready to Grow

If your organization is moving beyond its initial startup phase and is ready to scale its fundraising efforts, you'll need a platform that can grow with you. Look for tools with more robust features that don't break the bank. Bloomerang Fundraising is known for its easy-to-use interface and effective tools for creating engaging events and campaigns. Another one of the best peer-to-peer fundraising platforms for growing teams is CauseVox, which is built to be scalable. It offers a free starter plan, so you can begin with the essentials and upgrade as your campaigns become more ambitious and your needs evolve.

For Large Nonprofits with Complex Needs

Large nonprofits often juggle multiple campaigns, events, and giving programs simultaneously. This can lead to challenges in peer-to-peer giving, like disconnected data and clunky reporting. If your team manages large-scale events, a platform like Handbid could be a great fit. It specializes in auctions and events, offering integrated tools that streamline everything from registration to payment processing. For large organizations, the key is finding a solution that can handle complexity, integrate with your existing systems, and provide a seamless experience for both your staff and your dedicated supporters, ensuring no data—or donor—gets left behind.

Related Articles

• Top 8 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Platforms for Nonprofits
• What is Peer to Peer Fundraising? A Simple Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a platform like GoodUnited different from a traditional fundraising page? Think of it as the difference between a billboard and a conversation. Traditional platforms give your supporters a static page to share, which is great, but the engagement often stops there. A platform like GoodUnited is built to create an ongoing dialogue directly within social media messengers. Instead of just hoping people click a link, it helps you build a real, one-to-one relationship with supporters, thank them personally, and keep them engaged long after they’ve hit their fundraising goal.

I'm with a small nonprofit with a tiny team. Is peer-to-peer fundraising too much for us to handle? Not at all. In fact, it can be a game-changer for small teams because it allows you to scale your efforts without scaling your staff. The key is to choose a platform that’s user-friendly and automates some of the work for you. By empowering your most passionate supporters to become fundraisers, you’re essentially multiplying your team. Start with a simple campaign, provide your fundraisers with a toolkit of pre-made messages and images, and focus on building a community rather than managing every single detail yourself.

What's the most common mistake nonprofits make when running a peer-to-peer campaign? The biggest mistake is treating it as a "set it and forget it" campaign. You can't just launch the platform and expect donations to roll in. The most successful campaigns are the ones where the nonprofit actively supports its fundraisers. This means checking in, celebrating their milestones, providing them with fresh content to share, and answering their questions. Your fundraisers are volunteers, and they need encouragement and guidance to feel confident and stay motivated.

How do I convince my supporters to fundraise for me? Many are hesitant to ask their friends for money. This is a super common concern, and it comes down to confidence. Most people feel awkward asking for money, so your job is to make it as easy and natural as possible. Instead of just asking them to fundraise, give them a clear, compelling story to tell. Provide them with simple, copy-and-paste templates for emails and social posts that they can personalize. When you frame it less as "asking for money" and more as "sharing a story about a cause you love," it empowers them to become advocates, not just solicitors.

Do I really need a dedicated platform, or can I just have people share a link to my main donation page? While sharing a direct link is better than nothing, a dedicated platform is what turns individual actions into a collective movement. A platform gives your supporters a sense of ownership with their own customizable page and goal thermometer. For you, it provides a central hub to track progress, gather donor data, and communicate with everyone involved. It creates a branded, trustworthy experience for new donors and makes your fundraisers feel like part of an official team effort, which is far more powerful than just sharing a generic link.