The P2P Soapbox

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 momentum ​Mentioned Links About • Arthritis Foundation Help Your Child Live Better with Juvenile Arthritis • Arthritis Foundation Get Involved • Arthritis Foundation ​Stay 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

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 www.breakthrought1d.org 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

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 ecosystem Mentioned Links March of Dimes March for Babies @marchofdimes on Instagram, Facebook & X March of Dimes MODCAST Stay 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

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 innovation ​Mentioned Links Disabled American Veterans Field of Flags Stay 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

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 connection​ Mentioned Links The Ability Experience Journey of Hope Gear Up Florida Gear Up New York Stay 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