Logo

Donor
Gardening

From Donation to Relationship

Most nonprofits spend significant time and resources finding new donors. Yet research hows that acquiring a new donor costs nearly ten times more than continuing a relationship with someone who already believes in your work.

Drawing on insights from the UDARTA:EG study of 300+ Indian nonprofits, this guide offers toolkits to shift donor engagement from reactive to retention-focused.

Cultivation in Action

A step by step guide to donor engagement through the journey of Nidhi, our perennial supporter.

Follow Nidhi's journey across four chapters to see how everyday giving can grow from a one-time transaction into a lasting relationship. Each chapter blends real-world moments with practical tools to help nonprofits guide donors naturally. Your donors may be at different stages of this journey— explore the chapters in any order that serves you best.

Select a chapter to begin

CHAPTER I: Network Expansion

Before seeking support, understand who’s already in your circle.
This chapter helps you map your existing network so fundraising starts with relationships, not cold outreach.

Select one of the two options to reveal the right way

Select one of the two options to reveal the right way

Switch Chapter

I. Network Expansion

Switch Chapter

II. First Donation

Switch Chapter

III. Stewarding Donors

Switch Chapter

IV. Donors to Champions

Switch Chapter

V. Bonus Chapter

Bonus Chapter

No single team owns the donor experience

As supporters move across stages, effective coordination between programme, communications, and fundraising teams ensures consistency, continuity, and trust.

Check the toolkit to learn how to build this alignment.

Download the complete set of fundraising tools

All the tools in one place to start building a structured, relationship-led approach to engaging everyday givers - at your own pace, and with the resources that fit your organisation best.

Follow along

Choose the Path That Fits Your Work

Explore the Field Guides and discover how to turn community generosity into sustained mission success.