Before proceeding, users should be familiar with Upload Dataset, which is the framework for processing imports in Slate.

Recommended Import Method

There are several ways to import historical gift data into Slate, but the recommended approach is to assign and import an External ID for every pledge, planned gift, and gift. Maintaining a consistent external identifier provides flexibility for future updates and simplifies correcting imports if certain fields were unintentionally omitted.

If the institution’s current system does not assign unique identifiers to gifts, pledges, or planned gifts, a custom identifier can be created before import using a combination of data points (such as constituent ID, gift date, and fund ID). The External ID field in Slate supports values up to 64 characters.

Best Practice Import Order

It is recommended to import gift data in phases and as separate files. This ensures that related records exist before they are referenced in later imports, allowing gifts to link to opportunities, fulfill pledges or planned gifts, and support the addition of soft credits.

For the cleanest data relationships and easier field mapping, import each type in the following order:

1. Opportunities

2. Pledges

3. Planned Gifts

4. Gifts

5. Soft Credits

Subsequent articles will explore each of these import types in greater detail.