DonorSearch Research Integration for Advancement
  • 23 Nov 2023
  • 2 minute read
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DonorSearch Research Integration for Advancement

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Article Summary

Technolutions has partnered with DonorSearch to quickly import screened prospect and donor data into Slate. The method to screen records involves two processes:

  • Exporting data from Slate and uploading to DonorSearch

  • Exporting screened records from DonorSearch and uploading to Slate

All of the elements needed for a seamless integration with DonorSearch are in the Research Library. Adding the DonorSearch source from the library brings the following items to your database:

  • The DonorSearch research source

  • The data keys needed for the DonorSearch source

  • The prompts associated with certain data keys

  • A screening query, formatted to DonorSearch specifications, that can be exported as a comma-separated value (CSV) file

  • A Source Format to automatically consume the return file from DonorSearch

Once the DonorSearch item has been added from the library, perform the procedures provided below to identify and screen records.

 Best Practice - The source format added for DonorSearch behaves like all other source formats in Slate. Be sure to set the Remap Active setting to Active prior to uploading a file using the source format. Refer to the Source Formats section of the Knowledge Base for additional details on configuring source formats. 

Modify and Run the DonorSearch Screening Query

The DonorSearch screening query contains the 36 export values necessary for a screening to take place within DonorSearch. These exports have been arranged and formatted to specifically comply with the standards needed for a file to be consumed within DonorSearch. 

Placeholder export values have been added for the address associated with a record's rank 1 job. These need to be replaced with actual address information from the associated Company and Foundation record.

To insert these exports:

  1. Add a main query join from the Job base to the Companies and Foundation base.

  2. Add a join from the Companies and Foundation base to its Rank 1 Address

  3. Add the following exports for the record from the Companies and Foundation's address:

    • Street

    • Street 2

    • City

    • State

    • Zip

  4. Rename the exports to to following:

    • businessStreet

    • businessStreet2

    • businessCity

    • businessState

    • businessZip

Custom user exports have been added as literals within the query. These may be replaced with additional data points, as desired, to send to DonorSearch. Please consult your DonorSearch representative should you wish to modify any of these user-defined export values.

By default, the query contains filters that include the required data points needed to screen the record. This includes the existence of a state, first name, and last name.

Other filter criteria can be added as desired. For example, a more targeted query might filter for records that include the following:

  • A gift has been within the previous X fiscal years

  • No screening has been performed within the previous X number of years

  • Has an upcoming homecoming event registration

  • Has not been recently created

Once the filter criteria have been set, return to the main query page and select Run to Browser to perform the query and download the file to your local computer.

Upload the CSV file to DonorSearch

Within the DonorSearch platform, upload the CSV file to be screened. 

Download the Screened DonorSearch File

Once the screening process has completed, download the screened records from DonorSearch.

Upload the DonorSearch CSV file to Slate

To bring the screened file into Slate:

  1. Go to the Upload Dataset section of the Database.

  2. Select Upload Dataset.

  3. Complete the following:

    • File Format: Select DonorSearch Wealth Screening (CSV).

    • Folder: Place the file in an appropriate folder, such as a DonorSearch folder.

    • Upload: Select Add Files or drag the screened DonorSearch file to the uploader.

  4. Select Upload.

Once uploaded, the screened records are in a "pending import" status. When the process is complete (typically within 20 minutes), the records included in the file are appended with the appropriate DonorSearch research data. 

Should adjustments to the importing of the research values be desired, the source format may be re-mapped.


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