Action Types recommended... when using Categories what is the best practice for Types?

@Julie OBrien
Hi Julie -

My org primarily uses the steps in the Donor Engagement Process for our actions. We use this to report fundraiser work to our board on the number of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship actions each month. In addition, we also have event invite (which we primarily use for global record ads) and invoice (for pledge invoices or event purchases). I haven't found a need for any types beyond these 7, and our org has used NXT for a few years.

@Julie OBrien I'm going to echo Joe's comment about not using too many. The specificity is usually irrelevant. It may help to think about how you'll want to evaluate and report on actions. Are they included in metrics for front-line fundraisers? What kind of information should be entered as actions?

I've seen a couple of models for Action types. Mirroring moves management stages is one, but it may not work well if you use Actions to log all communications (such as mailings without a reply device, which would normally end up on the Appeals tab). In organizations that wanted to measure “quality” engagement with donors and prospects, I've seen “Substantive” and “Non-Substantive" actions, or similar language such “Meaningful” and “Non-Meaningful”. Those types are often used to indicate if the interaction resulted in learning something important.

Some organizations also like to use Actions to assign tasks to each other internally, or to keep a record of important changes, such as adding or removing a solicit code. Those internal activities may need Action types as well.

It is a lot to consider, so I recommend starting small and adding as necessary. Don't start with too much and then need to pare down the list.

@Julie OBrien We use Action Type to classify the subject matter of the Action. eg;
Appeal
Membership
Receipt or Receipt Reissued
Complaint
Event Invitation