The P2P Soapbox

As organizations look to engage the next generation of fundraisers, many are asking the same question: what actually motivates Gen Z, and especially young men, to show up and take action?In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Shaw Guidi, Director of Chapter Engagement at The Ability Experience, the philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Shaw brings a firsthand perspective from working with college-age men across the country, offering insight into what drives their participation and what keeps them connected.Shaw shares how competition, challenge, and personal connection play a powerful role in motivating Gen Z men. He also explores how organizations can provide structure without stifling creativity, meeting fundraisers where they are while guiding them toward success. From digital-first strategies like TikTok and livestreaming to the irreplaceable impact of in-person connection, this conversation highlights what it takes to turn initial interest into long-term commitment.Together, we’ll explore:What motivates Gen Z men to engage and how competition and connection influence actionHow to balance structure and creativity while building meaningful fundraising experiencesWhy showing up in person still matters and how digital tools can amplify, not replace, human connection​Mentioned LinksThe Ability ExperienceJourney of HopeGear Up FloridaGear Up New YorkStay Connected on LinkedInConnect with MarcieConnect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (02:10) - Introducing Shaw Guidi and The Ability Experience (04:52) - Events (06:48) - The Coveted Audience (14:00) - Social Media Strategy (16:36) - The In-Person Connection (24:04) - Get Involved

Crisis fundraising operates on a different timeline than traditional campaigns. When disaster hits, organizations have a critical 24-hour window to mobilize resources and activate their networks. But what separates organizations that thrive in crisis from those that scramble?The difference lies in preparation—having systems, messages, and community relationships ready before the emergency unfolds. It's about building infrastructure that can pivot quickly while maintaining donor trust and emotional resonance throughout evolving circumstances.In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Jessi Woomer, Director of Digital Fundraising for the American Red Cross. With ten years of experience leading national digital fundraising strategy, Jessi shares how organizations can prepare for crisis moments and deploy peer-to-peer strategies that turn urgency into sustainable support.Together, we'll explore:Why the first 24 hours of crisis response are make-or-break for fundraising successHow to build donor targeting strategies that balance local impact with broader community engagementPractical systems for transitioning from emergency response to long-term donor stewardshipMentioned LinksAmerican Red CrossStay Connected on LinkedInConnect with JessiConnect with MarcieConnect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (02:27) - Introducing Jessica Woomer (06:58) - Resources when Skies are Clear (15:07) - Messaging in Crisis (25:42) - Assessing Success (29:39) - Learn More... Get Involved!

In P2P fundraising, there can often be a disconnect between the excitement marketing generates and the direct recruitment strategies implemented by local field teams. The result? Frustrated participants, overwhelmed staff and missed opportunities to achieve participation goals and build lasting relationships with supporters.But what if marketing and recruitment worked hand-in-hand instead of in silos? What if the goal wasn't just filling the funnel, but ensuring every person who enters it has a meaningful experience?In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Brandi Glover from Wounded Warrior Project, a Marketing Specialist who brings a unique perspective to P2P strategy. Having started as a fundraiser herself before moving into marketing, Brandi understands both sides of the equation—and why trust and alignment between these teams is critical for program success.We’ll also discuss:The crucial difference between marketing and recruitment—and why that distinction matters for program outcomesPractical strategies for balancing lead generation with sustainable participant experiencesHow to set field teams up for success when marketing campaigns exceed expectationsMentioned LinksWounded Warrior Project Carry Forward 5K Stay Connected on LinkedInConnect with BrandiConnect with MarcieConnect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (03:21) - Introducing Brandi Glover (05:48) - The P2P-Marketing Handshake (28:18) - Learn More

Celebrity gossip magazines love to remind us: "Stars — they’re just like us!" And while the world of digital creators and streamers can feel like a distant universe, the truth is that these online personalities aren’t so different from the rest of us.As P2P fundraising increasingly intersects with the creator community, it’s easy to view streamers and influencers as fundamentally different from traditional participants. But while they may bring unique visions, massive reach, and unfamiliar platforms to the table, their core needs remain the same: support, motivation, impact, and authentic relationships.In this episode, P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell chats with two nonprofit pros who’ve successfully navigated this space — Aimee Yrlas-Simpson, Chief Development Officer, and Angela Ridenour, Development Manager at the Immune Deficiency Foundation. IDF’s journey into the creator world began when they connected with global streamer Ironmouse, who also happens to be a member of the primary immunodeficiency community.Together, we’ll explore:The key differences and surprising similarities between content creators and traditional P2P fundraisersStrategies for cultivating relationships in a digital-first landscapeHow to build mutually beneficial, mission-aligned partnerships with content creatorsMentioned LinksPrimaryimmune.org https://primaryimmune.org/get-involved/raise-awareness-and-funds-idf/diy-gaming Plasmahero.org Stay Connected on LinkedInConnect with AimeeConnect with AngelaConnect with MarcieConnect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (05:59) - Launching Into Streaming

In the P2P fundraising world, we often look to the spark of organic, supporter-led moments like the Ice Bucket Challenge as examples of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. But when lightning strikes, are you ready to catch it?This episode dives into one such moment: when four friends, Pat Morissey, Brendan Cusick, Peter Durso, and Scott Forman, decided to row 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean to raise funds for The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research. With the right support, strategic partnership and a community rallying behind them, their effort transformed into a powerful campaign that inspired the Parkinson’s community worldwide.Pat Morrissey, the first person with Parkinson’s to complete this journey, and Liz Deemer, Vice President of Community Fundraising at MJFF, join P2PPF’s Marcie Maxwell to share the behind-the-scenes story of Team Human Powered Potential—recipients of the 2025 Cash, Sweat & Tears Award—and the incredible impact of this campaign.In this episode, we’ll also explore:How to recognize and respond to bold, supporter-led fundraising opportunitiesWhat makes staff–fundraiser relationships thrive under high-stakes pressurePractical takeaways for activating your community in powerful and unexpected waysMentioned Linkswww.michaeljfox.orgwww.teamfox.org www.humanpoweredpotential.orgOn Instagram: @humanpoweredpotentialStay Connected on LinkedInConnect with LizConnect with MarcieConnect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (02:22) - Introducingt the Team (03:42) - Pat's Journey (10:53) - Liz's Journey (15:46) - The Story of the Numbers (28:30) - On the Water (33:57) - Organizational Challenges (37:28) - Advice for Professionals (42:14) - Learn More about MJFF

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:Creating an engaging community experienceEquipping your staff with the tools and confidence needed to build meaningful connections and navigate stigma effectivelyUnderstanding a participant’s motivation and goals for their supportMentioned Linkshttps://www.shatterproof.org/http://shatterproofwalk.org/On Facebook (@ShatterproofHQ), X (@shatterproofHQ), and Instagram (@weareshatterproof).Stay Connected on LinkedInConnect with ShannonConnect with MarcieConnect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (01:34) - Introducing Shannon Greene (05:54) - About Shatterproof (07:30) - Shifting Approaches (15:30) - Getting Engaged, Feeling Safe (22:08) - Donor Trust (25:16) - Lessons Learned, Opportunities Ahead

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 leadershipMentioned Linkswww.diabetes.org On Facebook (@American Diabetes Association), X (@AmDiabetesAssn), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn)Stay Connected on LinkedInConnect with MeganConnect with MarcieConnect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box (01:24) - Introducing Megan Gavin (04:26) - Tour de Cure and Step Out for Work (07:45) - Building New Networks (10:22) - ROI on Marketing Investments (15:04) - Results (19:18) - Learn More