Lesson 2.4 – Using Filters, Lists and Search Functions

As you build your database in FastFund Online, your lists of constituents, accounts, campaigns, and transactions will grow rapidly. To help you manage this information efficiently, FastFund employs powerful, universal sorting and filtering tools. These features allow you to quickly isolate specific groups of items for viewing, editing, or reporting.

In this lesson, we will explore how to interact with lists, sort data, and apply filters to quickly find exactly what you need.

1. Navigating and Sorting Lists

Whenever you open a database category—such as Constituents, Appeals, or Projects—the Main Work Space displays your data in a grid format.

• Sorting Columns: You can easily sort your list alphabetically or numerically by clicking on any of the column headers. An up arrow next to the column name indicates an ascending sort (A-Z, 1-10), while a down arrow indicates a descending sort (Z-A, 10-1). Simply click the column header again to reverse the sort order.
• Select All / Deselect All: When performing batch actions on a list, you will frequently see a master check box at the top left of the grid. Checking this box instantly selects all items currently displayed on the page. Unchecking it deselects them.

[INSERT SCREENSHOT: Display a standard Constituent list view in the Main Work Space, highlighting a sortable column header (e.g., Name) with its directional arrow, and the master Select All/Deselect All checkbox on the far left.]

2. The “Filters +” Function

Scrolling through hundreds of records is inefficient. Instead, most FastFund lists feature a Filters + option located at the top of the list view. Clicking Filters + expands a panel containing specific search criteria relevant to the list you are currently viewing.

Once the panel is open, you can enter your search parameters and click the blue Filter button to narrow down the displayed data.

3. Applying Filter Criteria (Constituent Example)

The filter options adapt dynamically based on the module and list you are in. For example, if you navigate to Lists > Constituents and click Filters +, you are presented with a robust set of search fields specifically designed for constituent management.

You can filter your donor database using any combination of the following criteria:

• Basic Information: Constituent ID, Name (or partial name), Type (Individual or Organization), Email, or Address criteria (City, State, Zip).
• Constituent Tags: Check boxes allow you to isolate constituents tagged specifically as a Donor, Solicitor, Tribute, Alumni, Member, or Volunteer.
• Status Flags: You can easily find individuals you have marked as Inactive, or those who have requested No Mail.

[INSERT SCREENSHOT: Show the expanded filter panel above the Constituent list, highlighting data entry fields like Name and Email, alongside the specific check boxes for Donor, Member, Inactive, and No Mail.]

4. Searching with Partial Data

You do not need to type an exact, complete match to find a record. FastFund’s filter fields are designed to accommodate partial searches. For example, if you are searching for a donor named “Christopher,” but type “Chris” into the Name field and click Filter, the system will return all records containing “Chris.”

5. Clearing Filters

When a filter is applied, the list will only display the records that meet your criteria. It is very common to apply a filter, step away, and later wonder where the rest of your database went!

To return to your full, unfiltered list, you must click the blue Clear button located next to the Filter button. This resets all search parameters and displays the complete list of records. Additionally, if you want to clear a single entry from an account number segment filter, you can click the small Trash Can icon next to that specific field.