If your organization has been using Flipcause, you’re likely navigating a period of uncertainty right now. We know this situation has affected real people, real programs, real missions, and real funding timelines. For many nonprofit teams, it has added stress at a time when focus and stability matter most.
You are not alone, and you do not have to figure this out on your own.
At Giveffect, we support nonprofits through platform transitions in a thoughtful and guided way. We understand how important your data is and how overwhelming it can feel to move systems. That is why every Giveffect customer works with real people, including a dedicated data migration specialist, to help make the transition as smooth and manageable as possible.
That support is part of a much bigger picture. Giveffect brings fundraising, events, volunteers, communications, and reporting together in one connected system, so once your data is in place, your team can stop managing disconnected tools and start operating from a single source of truth built to support long-term growth.
This guide is designed to help organizations coming from Flipcause understand how to export, clean, and prepare their data for a successful transition. It also explains what a supported migration looks like when moving to Giveffect, where help continues well beyond initial setup.
Why data migration from Flipcause feels so intimidating
Most nonprofits do not often change their fundraising or donor management systems. When they do, it is usually during a period of growth, transition, or unexpected challenge.
We frequently hear concerns like:
- What if we lose donor history?
- What if our donation totals do not match?
- What if we export the wrong reports?
- What if this takes far more time than we have?
These questions are reasonable. Your data represents real relationships and real impact. Wanting to protect it is the right instinct.
The good news is that migrating from Flipcause does not have to be rushed or chaotic. Successful migrations happen step by step, with clear priorities and the right support.
Step one: Decide what data to export from Flipcause
Before logging into Flipcause, take a few minutes to decide what data you actually want to bring into your new system. You do not need to migrate everything at once.
Most nonprofits start with three core data sets:
Contact data
This includes names, addresses, demographics, phone numbers, email addresses, social handles, employer details, and organization point-of-contact information. Contact records are the foundation for all other data.
Donation data
This includes one-time donations, recurring gifts, ticket purchases, auction purchases, event revenue, and processed recurring payments.
Volunteer data
This includes volunteer contact details, assignment history, check-ins, check-outs, and hours served.
Additional data, such as notes, pledges, memberships, or other custom records can be exported later if needed. Your Giveffect data migration specialist can help you determine what to prioritize now.
How to access reports in Flipcause
All Flipcause exports are created using the Reporting tools. Flipcause updates its interface periodically, so this guide focuses on the process rather than exact screen layouts. For current navigation details, refer to help.flipcause.com.
- Log in to Flipcause.
- Click Reporting under Operations in the left-hand menu.
- Select the report category you want to export.
This opens a panel where you can search, filter, and generate reports.
Part A: How to Export Contact Records From Flipcause
Always start with your full contact database. Contacts allow donations, volunteer activity, and recurring payments to connect correctly in your new system.
- Navigate to Reporting and select Contact Database Reporting.
- Choose the report type Contact Records.
- Set your filters.
You can export contacts as one combined file or separate files.
- If you are newer to Excel, export Individuals and Organizations separately.
- If you are comfortable with spreadsheets, export one combined dataset.
Individuals Only
Filter: Contact Type is Individual
Required Fields: Contact ID, First Name, Last Name, Email Address
Organizations Only
Filter: Contact Type is Organization
Required Fields: Contact ID, Unique Organization Name
Combined Sheet (Individuals and Organizations)
Filter: Contact Date Created is before today’s date
Required Fields: Contact ID, Contact Type (Individual or Business), First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Unique Organization Name
Important Notes
Not all contacts will have data for every required field. This is expected. However, these fields must be included in every export, whether you are exporting contact, donation, or volunteer data. These fields are the baseline identifiers used to merge records across systems.
Additional fields are optional but highly recommended to create complete contact profiles. If you are unsure whether a field should be included, include it anyway. Your dedicated Data Migration Specialist can help determine what needs to be migrated.
Part B: How to Export Donation Records From Flipcause
Donation data in Flipcause may be spread across donations, tickets, auctions, merchandise, and recurring payments. You may need to test more than one report to find the most complete data.
- Navigate to Reporting and select Transaction and Activity Reporting.
- Choose the report type Donations.
- Set your filters and click Generate Report.
You will be prompted to choose:
- Custom Report (recommended), which lets you select specific fields
- Full Report, which includes all fields but requires more cleanup
Required Fields for Donation Imports
- Contact ID
- Transaction ID
- Contact Type
- First Name
- Last Name
- Email Address
- Unique Organization Name
- Donation Amount
- Donation Date
Understanding Donation Amounts
Giveffect separates donation values into two fields:
- Donation Amount: The total amount donated
- Donation Overhead: The non-deductible or fair market value portion
The tax-deductible amount is calculated as: Donation Amount minus Donation Overhead
When reviewing Flipcause reports, look for:
- Transaction Amount or Total Amount Paid
- Fair Market Value
- Net Donation Amount
- Fee Amount, if fees are tax deductible
Example
If someone purchased 10 tickets at $100 each and each ticket had a $15 fair market value:
- Donation Amount: 1000
- Donation Overhead: 150
For gift date, use Transaction Date or Payment Date from Transaction Details.
Part C: How to Export Volunteer Records From Flipcause
Volunteer data may appear under different report categories depending on how your program is configured.
- Navigate to Reporting and select Transaction and Activity Reporting.
- Choose the report type Volunteers.
- Set your filters and click Generate Report.
Choose either a Custom Report or Full Report.
Required Fields for Volunteer Imports
- Contact ID or Volunteer ID
- Contact Type
- First Name
- Last Name
- Email Address
- Unique Organization Name
- Transaction Date
- Check-in Status
- Check-in Date and Time
- Check-out Date and Time
How to Download Your Flipcause Export Files Correctly
After generating a report, always choose Send me the report via email (CSV format). This is the only option that provides a clean CSV file suitable for data migration.
When the report is ready, you will receive an email with an Export Report button. Download links expire after 24 hours. If a link expires, rerun the report and request a new email.
Cleaning and Preparing Your Flipcause Data for Migration
Exporting your data is only the first step. Some cleanup is normal and expected.
Common cleanup tasks include:
- Standardizing names and email formats
- Verifying donation dates and amounts
- Choosing the most complete version of overlapping reports
- Removing fields you do not want stored long term
For detailed guidance, refer to the Giveffect Data Migration Manual. Your data migration specialist will help review your files and guide next steps.
What a Supported Migration From Flipcause to Giveffect Looks Like
One of the biggest misconceptions about switching platforms is that nonprofits are expected to handle migration alone.
With Giveffect, every customer works with a real data migration specialist who reviews files, answers questions, and helps ensure data is imported accurately. Customers are responsible for exporting their data and confirming field accuracy. Everything else is handled with guidance and support.
Migration is not just a technical task. It is an organizational transition, and support makes a meaningful difference.
A Final Reassurance
If you are feeling hesitant about exporting or migrating your data from Flipcause, that does not mean you are unprepared. It means you care about your data and your mission.
With a clear plan, realistic expectations, and the right support, this transition can be a positive step forward.
Want Help With Your Transition?
If you would like help thinking through your next steps, schedule a strategy call to learn how Giveffect supports safe, supported migrations. Book today!
You do not have to navigate this alone, and you do not have to rush.
Frequently asked questions about exporting and migrating data from Flipcause
Are nonprofits able to export their data from Flipcause?
Yes. Flipcause allows organizations to export contact, donation, and volunteer data using its Reporting tools. Data is exported as CSV files, which can then be cleaned and prepared for migration into a new system.
What data should we export first when leaving Flipcause?
Start with contact records. Contacts are the foundation that link donations, volunteer activity, and recurring payments. After contacts, export donation records and then volunteer records. Additional data, such as notes, pledges, or memberships, can be evaluated later.
Can we export everything from Flipcause into one file?
Sometimes, but most nonprofits export contacts, donations, and volunteers separately. This makes it easier to connect records accurately during migration and reduces the risk of import errors.
Do we need to clean our data before migrating to a new platform?
Yes. Some level of data cleanup is expected and recommended. Common steps include standardizing names and email addresses, verifying donation dates and amounts, removing unused fields, and choosing the most complete version of overlapping reports.
What if the same data appears in multiple Flipcause reports?
That is normal. Flipcause data can appear across different report types. If you are unsure which report is best, export both and review them with your Giveffect migration specialist to determine which version to use.
How should donation amounts be handled when exporting from Flipcause?
Donation exports should include the full tax-deductible amount as well as any non-deductible or fair market value portions. When reviewing Flipcause reports, look for fields such as Transaction Amount, Fair Market Value, Net Donation Amount, and Fee Amount to ensure values are categorized correctly. Still unsure? Include it in your exports, and your data migration specialist can help determine which amount values to use.
What is the best way to download Flipcause reports for migration?
Always choose the “Send me the report via email (CSV format)” option. This is the only method that provides a clean CSV file suitable for data migration. Download links expire after 24 hours, but reports can be rerun if needed.
Will we have support during the data migration process?
Yes. Organizations transitioning to Giveffect work with a real data migration specialist who helps review files, answer questions, and guide the migration process so teams are not left to figure it out on their own.
How long does a nonprofit data migration typically take?
Timelines vary based on the size and complexity of your data, how clean your exports are, and how quickly files are reviewed. A migration specialist can help set expectations once your data is assessed.
Is it possible to migrate from Flipcause without losing historical data?
With proper exports, cleanup, and review, nonprofits are able to carry forward their historical contact, donation, and volunteer data. Having a clear plan and experienced support helps reduce risk during the transition. Experienced support helps reduce risk during the transition. Our team is ready and has already planned for this, so once your data is imported into your system, you will have two weeks to check for any discrepancies and work with your dedication specialist to bridge them.