What's Next: Export Lists!

To use a list with a spreadsheet application such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, you'll soon be able to download its information as a comma-separated values (CSV) file. It'll be fairly simple: Just set up the list with the desired columns and filters, select a new Export button, and — when the export completes — download its file. You'll be able to download lists of 500,000 records or less from both Lists and Fundraising, Work.

When you export a list:

• Columns with multiple types of data — such as Constituent summary or Latest gift in a constituent list — will appear as multiple items in the CSV file, one for each value.
• For a column with multiple values of the same type of data, such as Constituent code for an engaged donor or Campaign for a split gift, its values will appear grouped together as a single item in the CSV.

By default, the name of the CSV files will include the list's name — or its type, if unsaved — and the date of the export. To update the file name, you can rename it in your file explorer after it downloads.

Exporting information from Raiser's Edge NXT will be a nifty trick, but keep in mind that a CSV file is simply a snapshot of a single moment of time. While the export will be handy for offline analysis or reference, for the current and most accurate information, you'll still need to refer to the lists directly in Raiser's Edge NXT on your desktop or mobile device.

Also, to quote Uncle Ben (from Marvel Comics, not the rice guy), "With great power comes great responsibility." In this era of identity theft, privacy acts, and a need to safeguard Personally Identifiable Information (PII), your organization should consider who should have access to its constituents' personal information outside of Raiser's Edge NXT. To help protect and control your sensitive and personal data, we recommend only appropriate people at your organization be able to export lists. So, to use this feature, admins at your organization will first need to choose who can export lists from Lists or Fundraising, Work and enable rights for those security groups in Control Panel.

In short: Export is coming! To help prepare:

• Take a moment to decide who at your organization should be able to export from Lists and Fundraising, Work.
• Start to set up and save lists with the details you plan to analyze and use with your spreadsheet applications.
• Keep an eye on the What's New Help for when the feature releases!