Podcast
The P2P Soapbox
As peer-to-peer fundraising professionals, we are inherently passionate people. Passionate about our missions, our fundraisers, our events, and 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 box, a brand new podcast that amplifies the voices of our peer-to-peer fundraising community and gives us a platform — a box, if you will — to discuss the hot topics facing our industry.
Join your host and P2P BFF, Marcie Maxwell, the Managing Director of the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum, as she sits down with industry peers and leaders, delving deep into their box issues, sharing best practices, and celebrating success stories.
- Episodes
- 59
- Releases
- Every two weeks
- Typical length
- 31 min
- On air since
- 2023
- Latest episode
- 1 day ago
Episodes
59 episodes, newest first
-
33 min
Thinking Bigger About the Potential of Peer-to-Peer with Project Purple’s Dino Verrelli
Season 7, Episode 4
Show notes
Are nonprofits underestimating what their peer-to-peer programs and supporters are capable of? Project Purple's Dino Verrelli thinks so, and he's challenging the mindset that may be holding us back.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Dino, founder and CEO of Project Purple, about turning a personal connection to pancreatic cancer into a thriving nonprofit built on endurance fundraising. From becoming a charity partner at the world's biggest marathons to exploring walks, pickleball and other community events, Dino shares how his team approaches growth with intention.
Drawing on his experience as both an entrepreneur and nonprofit executive, Dino challenges P2P professionals to recognize their programs' value, set ambitious expectations and demonstrate what's possible through consistent results.
Together, we'll explore:
• Diversifying beyond endurance while staying focused on the communities, partnerships and opportunities that drive results
• Challenging the nonprofit mindset that undervalues our programs, participants and fundraising potential
• Investing strategically in growth and demonstrating P2P's long-term value to organizational leadership
Mentioned Links
• Project Purple • Ways We Help
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
• Connect with Dino
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (00:31) - Introducing Dino Verelli and Project Purple
• (07:22) - The Power of Endurance
• (12:38) - A Diverse Portfolio
• (19:26) - Why do we undervalue our own programs?
• (31:56) - Get Involved -
30 min
Coaching P2P Teams to Forecast with Confidence with Arthritis Foundation’s Sara Echeverri-Bentley
Season 7, Episode 3
Show notes
Big fundraising goals can be exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming, especially when staff don't have a clear roadmap for achieving them. The key isn't just tracking more data. It's helping teams understand what the numbers mean and how their everyday actions contribute to success.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Sara Echeverri-Bentley, National Director, Special Events for Walk to Cure Arthritis at the Arthritis Foundation. With more than 100 walks and runs nationwide, Sara shares how her team is turning ambitious revenue targets into manageable milestones that keep staff focused, motivated and moving forward.
Sara explores the art and science of forecasting, the power of monthly micro-goals and the importance of explaining the "why" behind performance metrics. She also shares how creating opportunities for peer learning helps local teams build confidence and take greater ownership of their results.
Together, we'll explore:
• Breaking down ambitious fundraising goals into actionable plans and measurable milestones
• Building staff confidence in forecasting and using data to make smarter decisions
• Using monthly micro-goals and peer collaboration to create focus, accountability and momentumMentioned Links
• About • Arthritis Foundation
• Help Your Child Live Better with Juvenile Arthritis • Arthritis Foundation
• Get Involved • Arthritis FoundationStay Connected on LinkedIn
• Connect with Sara
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:22) - Introducing Sara Echeverri-Bentley
• (09:14) - How do you help staff improve their relationship with data?
• (13:11) - Micro-Goals
• (18:08) - How do you connect data to the "why?"
• (21:12) - How do you share across locations and teams?
• (24:24) - Building confidence not pressure
• (28:30) - Get Involved -
40 min
Scaling Your Endurance Program With Intention with Breakthrough T1D’s Andrew Shannon
Season 7, Episode 2
Show notes
Building a stronger endurance program isn’t just about adding more races or recruiting more runners. It requires a clear vision for where the program is headed, how it supports the organization’s bigger goals and where to invest along the way.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Andrew Shannon, National Manager of Run/Endurance at Breakthrough T1D, about the organization’s intentional approach to building a run program designed for the future.
Andrew shares how he assessed the program with fresh eyes, developed a five-year strategy aligned with organizational priorities and created different pathways for runners to engage. He also explores a broader definition of retention, how Breakthrough T1D decides which opportunities to pursue and why strong relationships with race partners can unlock new possibilities.
Together, we’ll explore:
• Building a long-term endurance strategy that supports broader organizational goals
• Creating a portfolio of opportunities that reaches new communities and keeps runners engaged
• Making intentional choices about race participation, retention and strategic partnerships
Mentioned Links
• http://www.breakthrought1d.org/
• http://www.run.breakthrought1d.org/
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
• Connect with Andrew
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:12) - Introducing Andrew Shannon
• (08:25) - Priorities and Shaping Strategic Planning
• (21:18) - Retention
• (33:35) - The Race Relationship
• (38:16) - Get Involved -
31 min
Planning Beyond the Next Event Season with March of Dimes’ Laura Goodwin
Season 7, Episode 1
Show notes
A strong P2P strategy isn’t built by one team or one event season. Creating sustainable growth means bringing the right people together, building a shared vision and making decisions today with an eye toward where the program needs to go tomorrow.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Laura Goodwin, Vice President of Campaigns for March of Dimes, about how her team is planning for the future of March for Babies. Laura shares how teams across the organization come together to shape the strategy, launch it internally and equip local teams to bring it to life.
They also explore the value of thinking beyond a single year, staying focused through inevitable ups and downs and understanding P2P’s role in the broader donor journey. Laura challenges the idea that P2P fundraising is transactional and shares advice for creating stronger alignment around a shared vision.
Together, we’ll explore:
• Building cross-functional alignment around P2P strategy and execution
• Using long-range planning to guide today’s decisions and navigate short-term fluctuations
• Understanding P2P’s role in deeper donor relationships and the broader fundraising ecosystemMentioned Links
• March of Dimes
• March for Babies
• @marchofdimes on Instagram, Facebook & X
• March of Dimes MODCASTStay Connected on LinkedIn
• Connect with Laura
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:20) - Introducing Laura Goodwin
• (08:16) - Setting the Tone for Cooperative Input
• (16:24) - 2030 is Around the Corner!
• (19:58) - Driving with Focus
• (23:41) - The Transactional Misunderstanding
• (26:55) - Getting Started
• (29:35) - Get Involved -
38 min
Discovering Fresh Campaign Ideas From Within with Disabled American Veterans' Laura Rusche
Season 6, Episode 8
Show notes
The next great campaign idea may not come from watching what other organizations are doing. It may come from paying closer attention to the people who already support your mission.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Laura Rusche, Strategic Fundraising Priorities Manager at DAV (Disabled American Veterans). Laura shares the story behind Field of Flags, a program that began outside of peer-to-peer fundraising and grew into a powerful community-driven campaign that continues to expand its reach and impact.
Laura discusses how DAV identified the early signs of potential within the program, what it took to transform an organic idea into a scalable fundraising initiative and why understanding supporter motivations became the foundation for its growth. She also explores the importance of cross-functional collaboration, internal alignment and staying connected to the community when evaluating future campaign opportunities.
Together, we'll explore:
• Identifying untapped campaign opportunities by listening to supporters and recognizing organic momentum
• Scaling a grassroots fundraising concept into a sustainable DIY program across diverse communities
• Building internal buy-in and long-term vision to support program growth and innovationMentioned Links
• Disabled American Veterans
• Field of FlagsStay Connected on LinkedIn
• Connect with Laura
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (01:12) - Introducing Laura Rusche and Disabled American Veterans
• (08:27) - Field of Flags
• (25:04) - Finding Alignment
• (36:00) - Get Involved -
26 min
Making Space for Gen Z Men in Peer-to-Peer Fundraising with The Ability Experience's Shaw Guidi
Season 6, Episode 7
Show notes
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 action
• How to balance structure and creativity while building meaningful fundraising experiences
• Why showing up in person still matters and how digital tools can amplify, not replace, human connectionMentioned Links
• The Ability Experience
• Journey of Hope
• Gear Up Florida
• Gear Up New YorkStay Connected on LinkedIn
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect 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 -
27 min
Reimagining Your Social Challenge Strategy with Cancer Research UK’s Gareth Mulcahy
Season 6, Episode 6
Show notes
Social challenges surged during COVID, creating a powerful wave of participation and connection. Now, as the landscape matures, many organizations are asking where these P2P campaigns truly fit and how to evolve them with intention.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Gareth Mulcahy, Head of Proposition at Cancer Research UK. Gareth brings a candid perspective on why social challenges still matter, and how his team continues to adapt their portfolio to stay relevant, responsive, and rooted in supporter needs.
Gareth shares what it takes to operate at the speed social challenges demand, from shifting internal mindsets to launching campaigns in months rather than years. He also dives into how meaningful storytelling and thoughtful campaign design can help challenges stand out in an increasingly crowded space. Along the way, the conversation tackles how to guide leadership through changing results, and how to discern whether social challenges are the right fit for your organization at all.
Together, we’ll explore:
• The role social challenges play in a modern fundraising portfolio and what drives sustained success
• How speed, storytelling, and authenticity shape standout campaigns
• When to lean into social challenges and when it may be time to step backMentioned Links
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
• Connect with Gareth
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:07) - Introducing Gareth Mulcahy
• (05:08) - Why do Social Challenges Still Matter at Cancer Research UK?
• (09:16) - Ramping Speed
• (24:04) - Learn More -
36 min
Demonstrating the True Value of P2P Fundraising with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Kathe Goller & Mike Lamma
Season 6, Episode 5
Show notes
Peer-to-peer fundraising continues to hold a meaningful place in many organizations. But as revenue strategies diversify and new channels emerge, it’s facing fresh scrutiny, often from leaders who haven’t grown up in the P2P space. That shift is prompting important questions about where it fits and how its value is defined.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Kathe Goller, Senior Director of Community Fundraising, and Mike Lamma, Executive Vice President and COO at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Together, they share the journey of building one of the most recognized walk programs in the country and what it took to move from early skepticism to sustained growth and long-term impact.
Kathe and Mike reflect on the key decisions and moments that helped establish peer-to-peer as a vital part of their organization’s success. They unpack how to communicate value beyond revenue, especially in times of increased pressure, and what it means to truly know your worth as a P2P leader. The conversation also explores how internal perspectives shifted from competition to collaboration, helping peer-to-peer earn its place alongside more traditional development strategies.
Together, we’ll explore:
• How peer-to-peer evolved at AFSP from uncertainty to a core driver of growth
• Ways to communicate value beyond dollars and strengthen leadership confidence
• What it takes to build internal alignment and position peer-to-peer as a strategic partnerMentioned Links
• http://afsp.org/
• @AFSPnational on IG
• @AFSPnational on XStay Connected on LinkedIn
• Connect with Kathe
• Connect with Mike
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:58) - Introducing Mike Lamma and Kathe Goller
• (06:16) - When is the Walk a Walk?
• (08:53) - Turning Peer-to-Peer into an Engine for Growth
• (14:28) - Selling the Value of Peer-to-Peer
• (22:28) - Understanding Your Data
• (29:48) - Build Effective Buy-in
• (34:31) - Get Involved -
26 min
Unifying Teams Around A New Event Vision with Curebound’s Liz DiGeronimo & Erik Gordon
Season 6, Episode 4
Show notes
What happens when you rethink everything about your signature event all at once? From branding and location to timing, Curebound took a leap that could have reshaped everything or strengthened it.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Liz DiGeronimo, Director of Community Fundraising, and Erik Gordon, Director of Marketing at Curebound. Together, they unpack what it really takes to guide both your community and your internal teams through major change while staying grounded in purpose.
Liz and Erik walk through the signals that made it clear their long-standing event needed to evolve and the risks that came with stepping away from tradition. They share how they brought their community into the process through intentional listening and conversation, discovering that what mattered most wasn’t the venue or logistics but the mission driving it all.
The conversation also dives into the internal work. From aligning marketing and fundraising around a shared story to refining how they communicate during moments of uncertainty, they reveal how clarity and connection became their biggest strengths.
Together, we’ll explore:
• Guiding teams toward shared clarity during major event change
• Engaging your community so they feel part of the journey
• Keeping your mission front and center through every shiftMentioned Links
• Curebound
• Curebound Cancer Challenge
• Curebound Concert for CuresStay Connected on LinkedIn
• Connect with Liz
• Connect with Erik
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:03) - Introducing Liz DiGeronimo and Erik Gordon
• (04:18) - About Curebound
• (05:32) - Big Moves and Rebranding in 2025
• (10:50) - Marketing
• (19:46) - Location Location Location?
• (24:31) - Get Involved -
26 min
Connecting Families to Community from Day One Through P2P with Autism Speaks' Christie Godowski
Season 6, Episode 3
Show notes
For many families, a peer-to-peer event is more than a fundraiser, it’s their first step into a community that understands and supports them. When organizations show up with care in those early moments, they create a foundation for trust, connection, and long-term engagement.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Christie Godowski, Vice President of Community Engagement at Autism Speaks. Christie shares how her team connects with individuals and families right after diagnosis, offering support while inviting them into a broader community experience through peer-to-peer.
Christie reflects on what it takes to create a seamless journey across program and fundraising teams, so families feel supported rather than segmented. She also shares how Autism Speaks equips frontline fundraisers to approach sensitive conversations with confidence, along with the nuances of engaging adults newly diagnosed with autism alongside parents navigating a child’s diagnosis.
Learn how early outreach shapes long-term connection and what small, intentional actions can help teams build trust from the very first interaction.
Together, we’ll explore:
• Connecting families to support and community from the earliest moments after diagnosis
• Strengthening collaboration between program and fundraising teams to create one cohesive experience
• Equipping fundraisers to lead thoughtful conversations that build trust and lasting engagementMentioned Links
• Autism Speaks
• On social - Instagram, YouTube & FacebookStay Connected on LinkedIn
• Connect with Christie
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:20) - Introducing Christie Godowski and Autism Speaks
• (03:50) - The First Walk
• (06:40) - Breaking Down Barriers
• (11:10) - Front Line Fundraisers
• (14:34) - Adults & Children in Diagnosis
• (22:44) - Making Change toward Building Trust
• (24:25) - Get Involved -
34 min
Rewriting Your Email Strategy for Real Connection with Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's Charlotte Conmy
Season 6, Episode 2
Show notes
In a world where inboxes are overflowing and attention is limited, email isn’t dead, it just needs a new approach. The organizations seeing results today aren’t sending more, they’re sending smarter. By focusing on relevance, timing, and human connection, email can still be one of the most powerful tools in your engagement strategy.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell sits down with Charlotte Conmy, Associate Director of National Marketing at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Charlotte brings a unique perspective shaped by experience on both the program and marketing sides of peer-to-peer fundraising. She shares how her team is rethinking email from the ground up, moving away from rigid calendars and toward behavior-driven communication that meets supporters where they are.
Charlotte dives into how segmentation, real-time data, and emerging tools like AI are helping her team deliver more personalized, timely messages. She also unpacks how to balance storytelling with action, collaborate across national and local teams, and integrate email with other channels like texting to create a seamless supporter journey.
Together, we’ll explore:
• Rethinking cadence and segmentation to reduce fatigue and increase relevance
• Balancing storytelling, calls to action, and clarity in every email
• Integrating email with texting and local outreach to drive deeper engagementMentioned Links
• http://crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
• http://takesteps.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/
• http://teamchallenge.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/Stay Connected on LinkedIn
• Connect with Charlotte
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:13) - Introducing Charlotte Conmy
• (06:48) - Is Email Really Dead?
• (29:13) - Looking Ahead
• (32:00) - Get Involved -
34 min
Nurturing P2P Relationships That Go Beyond the Finish Line with The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation's Kelly Lamb
Season 6, Episode 1
Show notes
Endurance fundraising is about more than race entries and revenue goals. At its best, it’s a relationship-driven experience that connects people to purpose in lasting ways. When organizations move beyond transactional touchpoints and invest in the full journey, fundraisers don’t just participate, they stay, grow and advocate.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Kelly Lamb, Director of Development at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. As the leader of Team Reeve, Kelly shares how her team approaches every runner as a long-term partner, not just a participant.
Kelly walks through how relationships begin at the application stage, where listening for motivation and potential sets the tone for everything that follows. She shares how personalized coaching helps fundraisers see beyond minimums and step into what’s possible. From building connections across a dispersed team to creating moments that inspire runners to return year after year, Kelly offers a thoughtful approach to growing both impact and community.
Together, we’ll explore:
• Treating peer-to-peer fundraisers like major donors from recruitment through stewardship
• Coaching strategies that unlock confidence and increase fundraising potential
• Creating connection and community that keeps runners engaged beyond the finish line
Mentioned Links• Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Events
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
• Connect with Kelly
• Connect with Marcie
• Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (01:06) - Introducing Kelly Lamb & the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
• (04:02) - The Major Donor Mindset
• (19:12) - Feeding the Joy... not the Stress
• (22:02) - Bibs Across the Country!
• (27:37) - Retention
• (32:24) - Get Involved -
42 min
Rethinking Your Approach To Capacity Building with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation’s Diana Perrault
Season 5, Episode 7
Show notes
Many fundraising teams are stretched thin, yet the work keeps expanding. Instead of pushing harder, some organizations are stepping back and reimagining what healthy capacity really looks like. When leaders center people, clarity and collaboration, teams gain the space they need to grow with purpose.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Diana Perrault, Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Diana brings deep frontline experience and a people first leadership approach that has helped her rebuild team infrastructure, expand staff capacity and create an environment where fundraisers feel supported.
Diana reflects on the early signs that a team needs to reset its structure, from burnout signals to stalled ideation. She shares thoughtful ways leaders can understand the true load their staff carry, make the most of one-on-one conversations and advocate for resources with confidence. The conversation also highlights how to choose tools and systems that truly serve the work and how remote teams can stay connected through trust and shared values.
Together, we’ll explore:
• Assessing real capacity and identifying when a team is ready for a rebuild
• Creating people centered practices that prevent burnout and strengthen culture
• Advocating for resources and designing systems that support sustainable growthMentioned Links
https://endurance.themmrf.org/endurance
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (01:02) - Introducing Diana Perrault
• (02:26) - Diana's Journey
• (04:44) - The MMRF P2P Portfolio
• (07:54) - Burnout
• (15:56) - Leading the Team
• (33:10) - Managing Culture with a Remote Team
• (40:06) - Get Involved -
27 min
Motivating Fundraisers With Purposeful Recognition with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's Meredith Perkins
Season 5, Episode 6
Show notes
Recognition is no longer just about t-shirts or medals - it’s about meaning. Thoughtful, mission-driven recognition strategies can deepen fundraisers’ emotional connection and inspire long-term loyalty.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Meredith Perkins, Director of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Meredith shares how her team has evolved recognition from transactional to transformational, creating experiences that honor fundraisers’ motivations and celebrate their impact.
From weaving MD Anderson’s mission to eliminate cancer into every recognition moment to reimagining branded products with purpose, Meredith offers practical ways to make participants feel valued and connected. She also dives into how feedback and metrics guide continuous improvement, ensuring each recognition effort aligns with participant expectations and program goals.
Together, we’ll explore:
• How to design recognition programs that strengthen mission connection and emotional engagement
• Creative ways to recognize and reward fundraisers across participation levels and years
• Practical methods for measuring impact and evolving recognition strategies for sustained successMentioned Links
http://www.mdanderson.org/Fundraise
http://www.mdanderson.org/BootWalk
http://www.mdanderson.org/Remember
Stay Connected on LinkedInConnect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
-
28 min
Balancing National Consistency & Local Flavor in P2P Events with Susan G. Komen’s Andi Hughes
Season 5, Episode 5
Show notes
Many large nonprofits struggle with the tension between standardization and localization in their fundraising programs. When national organizations move toward centralized models, they risk losing the authentic community relationships that make peer-to-peer events successful. Yet operating entirely through local structures can create inefficiencies and inconsistent donor experiences.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Andi Hughes, Vice President of Signature Peer to Peer Programs at Susan G. Komen. With deep experience in nonprofit fundraising transformation, Andi shares how Komen navigated the complex transition from decentralized to centralized program support while maintaining the local flavor that makes their events resonate.
Andi discusses the strategic decision-making behind Komen's organizational shift and the practical challenges of managing change across field and national teams. She explores how they determine which decisions require consistency and which benefit from local autonomy, and shares the metrics that demonstrate success beyond just revenue numbers.
Together, we'll explore:
• Strategic rationale and phased approach for centralizing peer-to-peer program support across a national nonprofit
• Preserving local community connections and authenticity within standardized national event frameworks
• Impact on operational efficiency, fundraising outcomes, and brand presence when balancing autonomy with consistencyMentioned Links
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
Connect with Andi
Connect with Marcie
Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (01:03) - Introducing Andi Hughes -
30 min
Onboarding & Coaching A High-Impact Volunteer Team with Four Diamonds' Suzanne Graney
Season 5, Episode 4
Show notes
Managing volunteer leadership presents unique challenges, especially when your entire executive team changes annually. The most successful campaigns don't just recruit great volunteers—they systematically develop them into unified, mission-driven teams that can execute at the highest level despite constant turnover.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Suzanne Graney, Executive Director of Four Diamonds, the nonprofit behind Penn State's Dance Marathon (THON). With years of experience leading one of the largest student-run philanthropies in the world, Suzanne shares how THON successfully onboards brand-new leadership teams each year and maintains momentum across a full campaign cycle.
Suzanne discusses her approach to rapidly aligning diverse volunteers around shared goals and creating systems that sustain engagement throughout the year. She explores how succession planning works when your pipeline constantly refreshes, and reveals what she's learned about the evolving leadership styles of today's college volunteers. The conversation offers practical strategies for anyone working with rotating volunteer teams in large-scale fundraising efforts.
Together, we'll explore:
• Effective onboarding strategies that quickly transform individual volunteers into unified leadership teams
• Year-round engagement techniques that maintain focus and momentum between major campaign milestones
• Building sustainable leadership pipelines when your entire team changes annuallyMentioned Links
Facebook: @FourDiamondsFTK
Instagram: @FourDiamonds
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:19) - Introducing Suzanne Marie Gran
• (05:09) - Four Diamonds
• (07:52) - The Turnover Challenge -
30 min
Bridging The Gap Between Major Gifts & P2P Fundraising with Sinai Health Foundation's Jamie Lamont
Season 5, Episode 3
Show notes
While many healthcare organizations treat major gifts and peer-to-peer as separate fundraising channels, some forward-thinking institutions are discovering the power of integration. When these strategies work in harmony rather than competition, both programs can amplify each other's success and create deeper donor relationships.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Jamie Lamont, Vice President of Events at Sinai Health Foundation. With extensive experience in healthcare philanthropy, Jamie shares how Sinai has successfully bridged the traditional gap between major donor cultivation and community-driven fundraising, creating a collaborative approach that serves donors holistically.
Jamie discusses how breaking down internal silos has transformed their fundraising outcomes, from event ideation through execution. She explores how peer-to-peer events provide invaluable insights into donor motivations and preferences, intelligence that enhances major gift strategies. The conversation reveals practical approaches for fostering genuine partnership between teams and ensuring all fundraising efforts ladder up to mission-driven priorities.
Together, we'll explore:
• Strategic integration of peer-to-peer and major gifts within hospital philanthropy programs
• Practical collaboration methods from event planning through donor stewardship and relationship building
• Leveraging event insights to inform broader philanthropic strategy and enhance donor engagement across all giving levelsMentioned Links
https://www.sinaihealth.ca/foundation
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:18) - Introducing Jamie Lamont
• (05:28) - The Sinai Health Portfolio
• (09:56) - The Major Gifts/P2P Approach
• (12:34) - Team Integration
• (20:40) - Linking Strategy to Priorities
• (24:32) - Advice for Engagement -
26 min
Evolving Your P2P Strategy Alongside Your Community with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Robin Paterson
Season 5, Episode 2
Show notes
When life-saving treatments transform a terminal diagnosis into a chronic condition, everything changes — including how communities fundraise. The peer-to-peer landscape isn't just evolving with technology and trends; it's being reshaped by the very success of the causes we support.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Robin Paterson, Senior Director of Special Events and Peer-to-Peer Campaigns at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. With nearly two decades of nonprofit experience, Robin shares how medical advances that have extended and improved lives for CF patients have fundamentally shifted community engagement, fundraising motivations, and program strategies.
As CF patients live longer, healthier lives, their relationship with fundraising has evolved from urgent survival to long-term advocacy. Robin discusses how this transformation has influenced everything from campaign messaging to participant recruitment, and how her team is adapting to serve a community that includes thriving teens with CF — a generation that wasn't expected to exist.
Together, we'll explore:
• How medical breakthroughs change fundraising psychology and community dynamics
• Strategic approaches to messaging when your cause story evolves from crisis to hope
• Practical methods for engaging emerging demographics, including teen patients as active fundraisersMentioned Links
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (02:26) - Introducing Robin Paterson
• (05:08) - The Portfolio
• (08:04) - The Shifting Treatment Landscape
• (19:22) - Staffing
• (22:32) - Advice for Those on the Tipping Point
• (24:18) - Learn More -
34 min
Setting Your Teams Up For Success with Dolphins Cancer Challenge’s Javier Sanchez
Season 5, Episode 1
Show notes
Leading a P2P campaign means managing multiple moving pieces—fundraisers with different experience levels, corporate partners with varying expectations and internal staff with diverse skill sets. But the most successful leaders know that underneath all this complexity lies a simple truth: understanding what drives each person is the key to keeping everyone aligned.
In this episode, Marcie Maxwell talks with Javier Sanchez, Executive Director of the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. With over 20 years of experience spanning mass-participation sports, philanthropy, and entertainment, Sanchez has mastered the art of identifying different personas within his ecosystem and tailoring his approach to meet each group's specific needs.
From uncovering hidden motivations in fundraisers to adapting leadership styles for different team members, Sanchez shares practical strategies for building stronger connections that translate into better outcomes. Whether you're supporting a cancer survivor taking on their first fundraising challenge or coaching your staff to have deeper conversations with participants, this conversation offers actionable insights for anyone leading mission-driven teams.
Together, we'll explore:
• How to identify and support different personas across your fundraiser base, staff, and partner network
• Proven techniques for uncovering what truly motivates people—and coaching your team to do the same
• Practical strategies for adapting your leadership style to drive alignment across complex stakeholder groupsMentioned Links
http://dolphinscancerchallenge.com/
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Connect with the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum
• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box
• (00:49) - Introducing Javier Sanchez
• (05:26) - About the Dolphins Cancer Challenge
• (06:56) - Managing Complexity
• (19:12) - Adapting a Leadership Style
• (22:12) - Learning What Drives a Staff
• (24:09) - Uncovering the Values Based Approach
• (32:00) - Learn More -
31 min
Deploying P2P Strategies For Emergency Response with American Red Cross' Jessi Woomer
Season 4, Episode 8
Show notes
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 success
• How to build donor targeting strategies that balance local impact with broader community engagement
• Practical systems for transitioning from emergency response to long-term donor stewardshipMentioned Links
Stay Connected on LinkedIn
Connect 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!
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