Before building this structure in the software, practice mapping out your hierarchy by completing these 3 steps on a piece of paper:
- Define the Top Levels: Write down the name of one Fund your organization uses (e.g., General Fund). Beneath it, write down one overarching Campaign (e.g., 2024 Annual Campaign) that will link to that Fund.
- Identify an Appeal: Think of your most recent fundraising event or mailing. Write this down as your Appeal (e.g., Spring Gala or End of Year Letter) and link it to your Campaign.
- Determine the Gifts: For the Appeal you just wrote down, list at least two distinct Gifts that represent how money was collected (e.g., Ticket Sales, Silent Auction, or General Donation).