Data Migration 1: Overview of Importing Your Data

Whether you're coming over from another system or bringing together a collection of spreadsheets - MonkeyPod makes it possible for you to bring over what you need to ensure a smooth transition!

Links to other Data Migration Articles: 

What data can I bring into my MonkeyPod?

Data that can be brought into MonkeyPod falls into four categories:

  1. Relationship Data - This is the data on all of your relationships - from Donors to Customers to Vendors this includes all of the relationships that you keep track of in your MonkeyPod.
  2. Pre-MonkeyPod Transactions - These are donations from before your bookkeeping start date in MonkeyPod. Want to know more about this? Check out our suggested best practices for Financial Information.
  3. Current Transactions - These are transactions from the current fiscal year.
  4. Other Imports - These imports are for bringing in Tags and Items.

You can find the import tools under My MonkeyPod then Imports

What do I need to know/prepare for my imports?

Below you will find an overview of the general import process and articles highlighting best practices for importing. We strongly encourage you to review the relationship import and financial import best practices to ensure a successful transition to MonkeyPod.

In general, you will bring your relationships over first and then anything that is tied to those relationships. For example: you bring in your Donors and then you bring in their donations.

To bring over your Relationships:

  1. Read our article on bringing in Relationship Information
  2. Take a look at your roles in MonkeyPod and add any you may need.
    1. You may also want to create your custom attributes first in MonkeyPod so any specific attributes you have in your current database can be mapped appropriately.
  3. Take everyone from your Donor list, Program Participant lists, Email List, Vendor Lists, etc.. and try to put them into one list.
    1. As you are importing you can assign them multiple roles
  4. Use the data import templates to prepare and perform your import!

To bring over Email Subscriptions:

  1. Create your Email Lists in your MonkeyPod first
  2. Bring in your relationship information first
    1. We can't import an email list subscription if the relationship isn't in the system yet
    2. The import connects that record to an Email List
  3. Use the data import templates to prepare and perform your import!

To bring over your past Donations and/or Sales:

  1. Read our article on best practices for bringing in your Financial Information
  2. Use the data import templates to prepare and perform your import!
  3. Perform your Import!

Remember, each line of your import file will be an instance of a donation or a sale. This means that if someone has given 23 times to your organization, their name/email/donor ID will show up 23 times in the import file!

HEADS UP: You will likely have to re-enter recurring donations. You can easily do this by making a Fundraising Page and sending it to your donors so they can re-enter their information. If you have any questions, contact us at support@monkeypod.io

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is there an easy way to manage duplicates in my MonkeyPod? Would I be able to import everything and then dedupe?
    1. Yes! MonkeyPod has a built-in Duplicate Manager that can help dedupe after the data migration is complete.
  2. What's the best way to bring in my financial data? 
    1. Pre-MonkeyPod transactions are best brought over as summary entries. Be sure to check out the article on best practices for financial imports.
  3. What's the best way for me to bring over my relationship data?
    1. The best way is to prepare a .csv with all of your relationships so that you can capture people who have multiple roles - such as vendors who are also board members, donors, and program participants - without creating duplicates. Learn more about importing relationships.
  4. Is there an article on how to use the data import templates?
    1. Yes! If you're a little nervous about preparing your imports check out our article specifically on data import templates.
  5. Is there help available for me to talk to someone?
    1. Yes! You can always email support@monkeypod.io. We also have drop-in office hours every Wednesday where we can answer your questions in real-time. Register for Welcome Wednesdays if you'd like some in-person guidance!
  6. Does MonkeyPod provide any other options for imports?
    1. Yes! We offer full-service implementation services if you'd like assistance moving your data to MonkeyPod. This service is included in your Enterprise subscription and is available to Pro subscribers by quote. Email support@monkeypod.io to inquire about these services.

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