A dataset dashboard appears on the Dashboard tab of a dataset record. In Advancement, dataset dashboards can summarize records such as funds, companies and foundations, appeals, campaigns, or other dataset records that support fundraising and stewardship work.
Use this article to create a dashboard that uses the Record type and a dataset-specific Configurable Joins base, such as Funds, Companies and Foundations, or Appeals. The selected base determines where the dashboard appears.
For a general overview of dashboard concepts, see Dashboards for Advancement.
Before you begin
Before creating the dashboard, decide what the dashboard should help users understand at a glance. Dataset dashboards work best when they highlight a small number of high-value details from the record and related records.
For example:
A Funds dashboard might show fund restrictions, fund contacts, giving totals, or open pledges.
A Companies and Foundations dashboard might show staff assignment, cultivation phase, matching gift details, or recent giving.
An Appeals dashboard might show appeal dates, segmentation details, gift totals, or response counts.
The exact exports and filters depend on the dataset and the fields, joins, and related records in your database.
Creating the dashboard
Go to Database → Dashboards.
Select New Dashboard.
Configure the following settings:
Name: Enter a short, descriptive name, such as
Funds DashboardorCompanies and Foundations Dashboard.Type: Select Record.
Base: Select the dataset-specific base where the dashboard should appear, such as Funds, Companies and Foundations, or Appeals. The saved dashboard summary shows this as the corresponding Configurable Joins base.
AI Dashboard: Leave the checkbox cleared unless you are intentionally creating an AI dashboard.
Select Save. The dashboard summary page appears.
Building the dashboard query
The dashboard query controls which data is available to the dashboard editor. Exports from the query become merge fields that you can place in the dashboard content.
On the dashboard summary page, select the Edit Query tab.
Select Export to add exports for each data point that should appear on the dashboard.
If needed, select Join to reach related records. For example, a fund dashboard might join from the fund record to related gift data.
If needed, select Filter to limit when the dashboard appears or which data the query returns.
Select Rename Exports and rename each export with a Liquid-friendly name. Use lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, or hyphens. Avoid spaces.
📝 Note
The merge field in the dashboard editor must match the query export name exactly. For example, an export named
fund_restrictionappears in the editor as{{fund_restriction}}.
Designing the dashboard content
The Edit Dashboard tab controls how the dashboard appears on the dataset record. You can use the WYSIWYG editor, drag exports into the editor, or use the source editor for HTML and CSS.
Select the Edit Dashboard tab.
Add text, tables, headings, or other layout elements that make the dashboard easy to scan.
Add merge fields for the query exports. You can drag exports from the right side of the editor or type the merge field using double curly braces.
If needed, select the Source tool to edit the dashboard HTML.
Select Save.
Example fund dashboard content
The following example uses export names that you might create in the dashboard query. Replace these names with the export names used in your dashboard.
<h3>Fund snapshot</h3>
<p><strong>Restriction:</strong> {{fund_restriction}}</p>
<p><strong>Fund contact:</strong> {{fund_contact}}</p>
<p><strong>Lifetime giving:</strong> {{lifetime_giving}}</p>
<p><strong>Open pledges:</strong> {{open_pledges}}</p>Previewing and testing the dashboard
On the dashboard summary page, select Preview Dashboard.
In the Record field, search for and select a record from the dashboard base.
Review the preview for missing values, formatting issues, and merge fields that do not resolve.
If a merge field does not display data, confirm that the query export name and the merge field name match exactly.
Test more than one dataset record, especially if the dashboard uses filters or joins to related records.
Using filters for targeted dashboards
Filters can limit the records or users for which a dashboard appears. You might create multiple dashboards for the same dataset if different groups need different information.
For example, one Companies and Foundations dashboard might focus on corporate matching information, while another might focus on cultivation and relationship management. Keep each dashboard focused so users can scan it quickly from the record.