How to format a file for importing contributions

You can import contribution data into the Redesigned Offering Module by creating a CSV file in the proper format and importing the records.

Creating an Import File

• The import file can have any name, but it must be saved in CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format.
• In Windows, it must have a .csv (comma separated value) extension.
• The file must contain contribution records only—no pledge records are accepted. 

To view an example of an import file, see Import File Example.

After you create the file save it to your hard drive. Make note of where you save the file because you will need to locate it when you do the import.

Header Information

The first row of the import file contains the header. The header is required and must contain the following information:

To get a list of your Fund ID's (for the Contribution Data) and your Organization ID (for the header), see How to export a list of your funds. See this image for a sample of the output you can expect. Once you have the IDs, you will need to enter them in your online giving software, or contact your online giving software vendor for assistance.

Contribution Data

Contribution data immediately follows the header row. Each contribution record occupies a single row. The following tables detail the required and optional data in a contribution record.

Required Contribution Data

The data required in each contribution record is identified in the following table. If a given record is missing any of this data, the system cannot import it. 

NOTE: Fund ID has been updated. You must update your fund ID to the correct one used in our Redesigned Offering Module. To get that new fund ID, see the article, How to export a list of your funds. Once you have the IDs, you will need to enter them in your online giving software or contact your online giving software vendor for assistance.

To get a list of your Fund ID's and your Organization ID (for the header), see How to export a list of your funds. See the following image for a sample of the output you can expect.

Optional Contribution Data

A contribution record can contain the data defined in the following table, but this data is not required. Note: do not add any of the words listed as optional in all caps. Also, make sure column J is blank.

 Back to Required Contribution Table

Import File Example

The following illustration shows you an example of an import file containing contribution data from non-ParishSOFT systems. Note that the first row contains header information. The remaining rows in the file contain contribution data in the imported records:

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