Importing Data

Migrate or import your data into Zeffy

When you join Zeffy, you can bring your existing supporter data with you—creating a single source of truth for your donors, contacts, and payment history.

What data can be imported?

Contact data — Import a list of contacts into your Zeffy account using a file, or by linking your Gmail or Mailchimp contacts. Imported contacts appear under Contacts on your dashboard.

Payment data — Import your supporters' giving history along with their contact information. Imported payments appear in the Payments section under the Fundraising tab. Each imported transaction automatically creates a contact record (or links to an existing one if the email matches).

When you import payments, Zeffy automatically creates contact records for each donor. You don't need to do a separate contact import for those supporters.

Step-by-step migration guide

  1. Create your Zeffy account and attend a demo session (or watch the recording) to confirm Zeffy meets your needs.

  2. Export your data from your current platform, including donor/contact information and payment history.

  3. Format your data using Zeffy's import templates:

Important import rules

  • Email is the primary identifier. Ensure email addresses are consistent to avoid duplicate records.

  • Required fields. Some fields are mandatory—follow the template requirements exactly.

  • Do not modify column titles or structure. The templates must be used as-is.

  • Single-sheet files only. You cannot import workbooks with multiple sheets.

Data import FAQ

Can recurring transactions be transferred from another platform?

No. If you have donors with recurring monthly or yearly donations—or members with active renewal payments—their payment information cannot be transferred to continue automatically.

You'll need to stop the recurring transactions on your current platform, then have each donor or member start a new recurring payment through a Zeffy form. For step-by-step guidance, see Importing recurring donors and members.

Can payments be imported into an existing campaign?

Yes. Enter the exact campaign name in the Form Title column of your import sheet. The name must match exactly—including capitalization and spacing. If it doesn't match an active campaign, Zeffy creates a new archived form in the Past section.

For detailed instructions, see Importing payments into an existing or active campaign.

Can custom contact fields be imported?

No, custom fields cannot be created on contact records. If you have additional information to include, use the Notes or Tags columns in the Contact import file.

  • Notes — for specific comments about a contact

  • Tags — for creating segments or groups (e.g., volunteers, board members, major donors)

How do I undo a data import?

For instructions on deleting or reversing an import, see How to delete or undo a data import.

🚀 Next step: Once your data is imported, create your first campaign and share your Zeffy form with your supporters.

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