Just a general survey - who is using initiator for contributions from family foundations to link the corresponding family members? If you are, are you also still using soft-credit?
Our instinct was to start using initiator, especially with the new default in list manager pulling initiators unless otherwise specified. But we didn't want to discontinue use of soft credit - mostly due to consistency and having the ability to link the contribution to a plan on the soft-credit recipient's record. And if we do both the donation shows up twice on the initiator/soft-credit recipient's record under contributions.
Thanks in advance!
Carla, 92Y
Hi Carla,
Did you ever come to a conclusion on this - we are just discovering the same issue and would love to know if you had a preference for one or the other.
I'm with you in not wanting to see multiple contributions on the record (but admit I like the color shading of the soft credit - to see the contribution coming from another source).
Thanks,
Teri
We actually use the Apply Membership functionality in contribution entry and do not use the initiator function for this purpose. If it is a donation that does not qualify for a membership, then we would use the soft credit function. We've been using the initiator function for contributions only for situations where there are complicated (often multiple) soft credits for various purposes and we are unable to use apply membership and/or soft credits (Example: a family foundation gift where the donor receives membership benefits but they also wish their gift to be tracked as in memory or in honor of someone).
I'd be interested to know as well what other feedback you've gotten and what most organizations are doing.
Laurel