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Ep. 38 | Empowering Nonprofits through Peer-to-Peer Fundraising with Lou Adducci

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio is joined by peer-to-peer fundraising expert Lou Adducci. Lou shares his journey from a theater background to nonprofit arts and ultimately becoming a peer-to-peer fundraising consultant.

Their discussion covers the basics of peer-to-peer fundraising: what it is, why it matters, and the significant impact it can have on nonprofits.

Lou offers practical steps and tools for getting started with peer-to-peer fundraising, discusses key metrics to track, and addresses common challenges.

This episode offers valuable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to explore or grow their peer-to-peer fundraising efforts!

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Donation

00:29 Meet Lou Adducci: Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Expert

03:18 Understanding Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

04:10 Types of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaigns

09:09 Success Stories in Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

11:50 Getting Started with Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

14:07 Tools and Metrics for Effective Fundraising

17:38 Challenges and Solutions in Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

22:32 Trends and the Future of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

24:47 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

To Connect with Lou:

LinkedIn | Website

To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast | DonorDock LinkedIn | Matt LinkedIn

Why are event guests your best donor prospects?

Event guests have already said yes — they bought a ticket, gave up an evening, and experienced your mission firsthand. They have social proof (often a friend or board member brought them), fresh contact info, and emotional context. Recurring or deeply engaged donors retain at around 78%. The fastest path from event guest to retained donor is a structured 5-step follow-up playbook run within two weeks of the event.

Last updated

April 25, 2026

How do I follow up with fundraising event attendees to retain them as donors?

Within 24 hours, capture clean data and segment guests into four groups: existing donors who attended, first-time event donors, attendees who didn't give, and VIPs. Within 48 hours, send one mission-centered thank-you email plus personal calls or notes to top donors and table hosts. Two to three weeks later, share specific impact tied to what guests funded. End with a clear, single next step.

Last updated

April 25, 2026

How do you avoid donor fatigue across multiple events?

Avoid donor fatigue by varying the format and ask of each event so the same supporters aren't asked the same question twice. If the gala is auction-driven, make the golf tournament sponsorship-driven and skip the auction tables. If both events are in-person, add a virtual-only impact briefing for donors who don't attend. Track event attendees in your CRM and segment communications so the supporter who came to the spring gala isn't getting the same fall-event invitation language. Respect the donor's experience — don't repeat mechanics out of habit.

Last updated

April 25, 2026

How can I make my nonprofit communications feel more human?

Use the donor's first name, reference their giving history by program, and include one authentic story per communication. Replace generic "dear friend" openings with named segments. Send one pure-gratitude message a year with no ask attached. Every one of those changes signals to donors that the relationship is real, not transactional.

Last updated

April 25, 2026

Author

Elisha Ford

Content Writer

Last updated:

April 28, 2026

Written by

Elisha Ford

Content Writer

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