How to Use Custom Attributes

Custom attributes let you track information about your relationships that MonkeyPod doesn't capture by default. Whether you want to record donor interests, program participation, t-shirt sizes, or anything else specific to your organization, custom attributes give you the flexibility to build out your records the way you need them.

Where do I create custom attributes?

Custom attributes are extra fields you can use to track information about your relationships that MonkeyPod doesn't capture by default. To get started, choose Relationships > Custom Attributes from the main menu.

How do custom attributes work?

Custom attributes work by putting together two concepts:

• Attributes: The individual fields you create to track specific pieces of information. For example, an attribute called "Donor Preferences" might let you record which types of events or fundraisers a donor likes to participate in.
• Role-Based Attribute Sets: Groups of related attributes that appear together as a tab on a relationship's record. For example, a "Donor Information" tab might include both "Donor Preferences" and "Contact Preferences." These sets also group the related attributes together in the Advanced Search criteria list to make them easier to find when building your searches.

Attribute Definitions

The Attribute Definitions tab shows all of the custom attributes you've created in your MonkeyPod.

To add a new one, click Add a custom attribute and fill in the following fields.

Attribute

The name of the field as it will appear in your MonkeyPod. Choose something clear and consistent with how your team talks about the data, for example, "T-Shirt Size" or "Volunteer Interests."

Data Type

The kind of data the attribute will store. This determines what kind of input the field accepts. Choose carefully because this cannot be changed after the attribute is created. The available data types are:

• Text:  For basic text input. You have a variety of choices for the input options here: short text (single line text fields), long text (a larger text box for multiple lines), radio buttons, a select list, a date selector, or email. The email option turns the email into a "mailto" link when shown in search results.
• Integer: For whole numbers, such as "Number of Household Members" or "Years as a Member."
• True/False: A simple yes/no checkbox. Useful for binary tracking, such as an "Inactive" flag or "Receives Print Newsletter."
• Text (Multiple): Allows multiple values to be selected for a single attribute. A good choice when a relationship might have more than one applicable answer, such as "Areas of Interest" or "Volunteer Skills." Display options include checkboxes, a select list, or tags. If you use tags, they will draw from your existing MonkeyPod tags, which can include events and programs.
• Image: Allows an image to be uploaded to the record. Useful for things like board member headshots or profile photos.
• File: Allows a file to be uploaded to the record, such as a signed volunteer agreement. Note: for W-9s specifically, MonkeyPod has a dedicated place to store those — don't use a custom file attribute for those.
• User: Allows for a select list of names of the users in your MonkeyPod.

Form Field

Controls how the attribute appears on the relationship record, for example as a short text box, a dropdown, checkboxes, or tags. The options available here will depend on the data type you selected.  The default selected option is Short Text.

Choices

If your attribute allows the user to select from a list of options, enter those options here as a comma-separated list. For example, a "Contact Preference" attribute might include choices like Email, Phone, Text, and Direct Mail. Choices are required if you select a radio button or select list form field.

Sensitive

Check this box if the attribute contains information that should only be visible to certain users. Viewing sensitive attributes is controlled by a user permission setting in MonkeyPod, so only users  who have this enabled will be able to see the data in this attribute.  

Role-Based Attribute Sets

The second part of making a custom attribute is a Role-Based Attribute Set. This is where you choose which attributes will show up for relationships based on their Roles.

For example, the image above shows:

• A Role-Based Attribute Set named Donor Preferences 
• that applies to the role Donor 
• that contains a list of custom attributes named Program Interests and Contact Preferences
• which I defined in my Attribute Definitions window

Making a Role-Based Attribute Set

To group your custom attributes into Role-Based Attribute Sets, simply select "Role-Based Attribute Sets" under the "Custom Relationship Attributes" heading. After you toggle to the "Role-Based Attribute Sets" tab, you will find an option to "Add an attribute set" along with any other created attribute sets in your MonkeyPod.

First, give the attribute set a name. This will be the name displayed on the screen in the CRM. 

Next, choose which roles you want the set to show up in.

Finally, choose which attributes you want in that set.

For example, the image below shows a set named "Donor Preferences" that will display for anyone who is given the "donor" role. The attributes "Contact Preferences" and "Program Interests" are included in this particular role-based attribute set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I used my custom attributes for searches?

Absolutely. Not only can you search on custom attributes, you can also customize the display of your search results to show custom attribute values right there in the list! Check out the article on How to Use the Advanced Relationship Search to learn more.

Can I use a custom attribute to keep track of event participation?

Yes! You can use a custom attribute whose data type is "text (Multiple)" and whose form field option is set to "Tags". Doing this will display all of the tags you have in MonkeyPod, which can include your events!

Not sure of the answer above or need more guidance? Check out our article specifically on Custom Attribute Data Types.

Quick plug here for Eventbrite—if you want MonkeyPod to automatically track program/event attendance check out our Eventbrite Integration!

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