Months 4–9 · Toward 75 - deepening commitment

Engagement & Stewardship

Retain and deepen supporters through stewardship, engagement, and genuine community - moving from founder-centric to team-led.

What to do in this phase

4 key steps

These are the same items you can check off in your progress tracker.

Run dependable communications plus regular touchpoints. Launch your first volunteer or giving circles with short, clear commitments.

Try this: Start circles once you have 30–40 regular supporters; multiply a circle around 12–15.

Host events - service projects, shared meals, virtual gatherings - that build relationships beyond the ask.

Try this: Plan at least one connection event per month.

Offer clear ways to go deeper - volunteering, advocacy, monthly giving - and add mentorship. Make the next step obvious for everyone.

Try this: Track each supporter's progress along the pathway.

Send regular updates with stories, impact, and wins. Show outcomes, not just appeals.

Try this: Communicate 2–3 times per week; watch your email open rate.

What good looks like