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

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 back

Mentioned Links

• Cancer Research UK

​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