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 growth

Mentioned Links

https://themmrf.org

https://endurance.themmrf.org/endurance

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• (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

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 success

​Mentioned Links

www.MDAnderson.org/Fundraise

www.MDAnderson.org/BootWalk

www.MDAnderson.org/DIY

www.MDAnderson.org/Remember

​
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• (00:00) - Welcome to The P2P Soap Box

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 consistency

Mentioned Links

www.komen.org

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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