Search tips

There are multiple ways to search records. Here are a few general recommendations.

  • Use at least two search criteria. You can set the criteria using filters. For more information on using filters to search, see Search using filters.

    • Tip: If you can't see the filter for the criteria you want to use, add it. To do so, select Filter and then select the desired filter.

  • Use Postal code to search regionally.

  • Use Gift category to search for specific types of gifts such as annual or capital gifts.

  • Use Minimum gift amount to further restrict your list of prospects.

  • Use Scope to find donors to organizations based in the U.S. with local, national or international programs or services. For example, the American Red Cross is a disaster relief organization based in Washington, D.C. with services all over the country and the world, not just in Washington, D.C.

Specific search examples

Here are some specific examples of ways to search records.

You can search by name to research your prospect’s charitable giving affinities and patterns. You will be able to get a sense of your prospect’s capacity, affinity to an organizational mission, average gift amount, and philanthropic favorites by looking at their annual giving year after year.

  • For your first search, start with a broad search by clearing all of the filters except the Donor name filter. Refine your search criteria if your results list is too broad. For example, first search and preview results for Robert Horn. If too many results are presented, then, refine your search with Robert C. Horn III. Donor names are listed exactly the way the reporting nonprofit listed the donation on the source document, so searching both ways allows you to find the greatest number of results.

  • If your results list is still too long, you may choose to limit your search to only the cities or states you know your prospect has lived in; however, you will not see donations made to nonprofits outside those geographic locations. You can also narrow your searches by the gift date.

  • If you know the spouse name, search by their name as well.

  • Search using nicknames that your prospect may use such as Rob or Bob instead of Robert.

  • After you chose the records you would like to view, you can sort the data fields on the results page to best suit your needs. If gift size is the key for you, click on the Donation Range column to see the results in ascending order and then click on it again to see them in descending order.

  • The source link supplied in the Recipient Source column allows for deeper research. Clicking on the link opens up the annual report or other source of gift information to learn more about the gift and about other major givers who might be future donors to your organization.

  1. In the Donor name filter, select Equal to and enter an individual, corporate, or foundation name.

  2. In the Minimum gift amount filter, select Greater than or equal to and enter the minimum gift amount (example: 10,000) on which you want to base your search.

    3. Only donations confirmed by the recipient nonprofit at the amount entered in the Minimum gift amount filter or higher display.

You can search for donations using broad categories of non-profits, ranging from animals to youth. Each category can be further refined, so that you can search various specific causes associated with the broader category.

  1. In the Recipient cause, select General Cause.

  2. Select a general category for the cause in which you are interested and select Apply.

    3. For example, select "Housing & Shelter" to filter results to include donations to this general cause.

  3. To refine your search, select Specific Cause.

  4. Select the desired option and select Apply.

    5. For example, if you selected "Housing & Shelter" in an effort to locate Habitat for Humanity International donors, select "Housing development, Construction & Management."

  5. Select Apply.

New donation records are added regularly. To view recently added records:

  • In the Date added filter, select a time period.