Christy Harrison Receives National Recognition for Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
The Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum’s P2P Impact Awards recognize the people and organizations shaping the future of peer-to-peer fundraising. This year, the Forum introduced the Peers of the Year Award, a new national honor recognizing professionals whose strategy, creativity and dedication drive extraordinary fundraising results behind the scenes. The award celebrates the sector’s “unsung heroes,” whose work helped raise more than $1.7 billion in 2025 for thousands of nonprofits across North America.
Among the inaugural honorees is a member of The Ability Experience staff.
Christy Harrison, managing director of chapter engagement for The Ability Experience, has been named a 2026 Peer of the Year by the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum, sponsored by Funraisin. She was one of seven professionals recognized for leadership that elevates peer-to-peer fundraising programs and inspires others across the field.
Peer-to-peer fundraising relies on supporters raising money through their own networks for causes they believe in. Since 2007, the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum has supported the professionals behind that work by providing education, resources and community for a field that has become a leading model in nonprofit fundraising.
Under Harrison’s leadership, The Ability Experience’s fundraising program grew from approximately $500,000 annually to more than $1 million for two consecutive years, including a record $1.28 million year. Harrison implemented strategies that expanded fundraising initiatives and actively engaged more than 160 Pi Kappa Phi chapters. Through training and mentorship, she helped members connect fundraising to the mission, encouraging them to view it as an essential part of their involvement.
Her leadership also drove measurable growth across the organization. Student development opportunities expanded, volunteer engagement increased and support for Ability Camps and partnerships serving people with disabilities grew. By introducing new engagement opportunities and building strong relationships, Harrison helped position The Ability Experience as a national leader in peer-to-peer fundraising while extending the mission’s reach to communities nationwide.
This recognition highlights leadership that often remains behind the scenes. As Courtney Evans, co-founder and CEO of Funraisin, said in announcing this year’s honorees, “Behind every campaign and every metric is someone who really cares. Reading through these nominations, it was clear this work goes far beyond a job title—it’s deeply personal. These nonprofit leaders invest a huge part of themselves in their communities and in the people their organizations exist to serve. Great fundraising is fueled by that kind of commitment. Imagine the impact we’d lose without people willing to care this much. We’re incredibly fortunate to have leaders like this in our sector, and it’s a privilege to recognize the difference they make every day.”
Harrison’s work reflects that description. She has not only driven fundraising growth but also helped more members and volunteers connect with The Ability Experience’s mission by giving them clear, meaningful ways to contribute and understand the impact of their efforts.
Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and The Ability Experience are proud to celebrate Harrison and this well-deserved recognition. As one of the first recipients of this award, she exemplifies the kind of leadership the honor was created to recognize and the kind of impact that continues to move The Ability Experience’s mission forward.
To learn more about the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum’s 2026 Peers of the Year Awards, including honorees and program details, visit the Forum’s website.
