Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT® Grid View Batch Town Hall #1: Your Questions, Answered

The first Grid View Batch Town Hall brought together an incredible amount of energy, engagement, and thoughtful discussion. Your active participation and the session sparked a great two-way conversation. We were unable to answer every question in the session, but we are committed to responding to each one.  

Your feedback is shaping the future of grid view batch. Many of the updates we’ve already released—and several on the way—are directly influenced by conversations like the ones we had during the first town hall. 

Below, our product team shares answers to some of the key questions we received. These cover topics like batch templates, customization features, upcoming tools, and what’s next for grid view batch.  

Whether you joined us live or are just starting to explore grid view batch, we hope these answers give you a clear picture of what’s available now and what’s coming soon. 

If you missed Grid View Batch Town Hall #1, you can watch the recording. We also have two more town halls coming up: 

Grid View Batch Town Hall #2 March 25, 2026 @ 11 a.m. EST / 4 p.m. BST 

Grid View Batch Town Hall #3 (this session is currently at capacity) April 1, 2026 @ 11 a.m. EST / 4 p.m. BST 

Grid View Batch Key Questions 

Batch Templates and Batch Management 

Will we be able to apply batch templates to existing batches (such as online donations from Raiser’s Edge NXT forms or recurring gifts)? 

Yes. Based on customer feedback, this feature was released shortly after general availability. Templates can now be applied to any existing batch, whether it was created manually or generated automatically. 

Can we use a previous batch as a template? 

You can save a batch structure as a template and reuse it in the future. While this process differs from database view (where you could copy directly from a previous batch), the outcome is the same. You can replicate the structure of an existing batch to use as a template for future batches. 

Will we be able to organize approved batches in folders like we can in database view? 

We are currently researching broader batch management capabilities. Folder-style organization is something we may consider once the full grid batch functionality is complete. 

I’ve noticed that when I save a batch and return later, the gifts are no longer in the order I entered them. Can rows be frozen, so they stay in order? 

This is a known issue. Currently, when a batch is saved, each gift is processed individually and returned to the grid in the order it finishes saving. Gifts with more data or links may take longer, which can change the order. We are exploring solutions, including an autosave feature and improved sorting options. 

What is the projected timeline for bringing full database view batch functionality into web view? 

Our goal is for the core workflows currently supported in database view batch to be available in web view within this year. 

Batch Editing and Global Changes 

Will we be able to make global changes within a batch? 

A global change feature within the grid batch is planned for the second half of the year. This will support updates as we bring Import into Batch.  

Will we be able to create or amend custom business rules? 

Business rules are not currently planned. However, we welcome feedback on how you would like to use them within the new batch experience. 

Grid View Layout and Customization 

How can I hide columns I don’t want to see in Batch? 

You can use the Configure Columns option to customize which columns appear in the batch and where they are positioned. This also supports setting default column configurations for new batches. 

Will we be able to change column widths? 

Column widths can be adjusted, but there is currently a minimum width limit. We’ve received feedback requesting more flexibility and are evaluating when this might be implemented. 

Can we configure columns in a template and hide them? 

Yes. Columns can be configured and hidden within templates. If a required field is hidden, it must have a default value to ensure that new rows do not contain required, blank or hidden required fields. 

Gift Data and Fields in Batch 

Will Batch support fields such as Stock Sale Date, Stock Sale Amount, Issuer, Symbol, Number of Units, and Median Price per Unit? 

Stock gift support is planned for Batch this year, though the exact timing is still to be determined. 

Can we include a marketing source code in Batch for direct mail coding, and capture email consent when adding a new donor? 

Fields from the Gift and Marketing Code tile are being added to Batch. Gift Code and Gift Constituency will arrive first, with additional fields planned later this year. 

Are there plans to include the barcode field used for mail appeals? 

This request has been noted, and the team is evaluating it as part of ongoing Batch enhancements. 

Will we be able to apply a soft credit to a specific record for all gifts in a batch using a template? 

We are evaluating additional advanced fields for batch defaults. The next  enhancements we’re focusing on are Splits and Custom Fields. Soft credits currently default based on the constituent’s set-up, though we are considering additional enhancements. 

We assign each gift to fundraisers. Will the grid eventually display the actual fundraiser name instead of “1 fundraiser credit”? 

We’ve received customer feedback on displaying more detail directly in the grid, particularly for custom fields. While this specific request hasn’t yet been prioritized, we are exploring options as part of later stages of Batch development. 

Linking Gifts 

When will we be able to link donations to events in Batch? 

We are working to support all advanced linking capabilities in Batch. Tributes and Opportunities are expected April-June 2026, with additional linking options following. 

Constituent Search and Data Integrity 

Will constituent search results include non-constituent records to help prevent duplicates? 

Yes, we’ve received this feedback and are evaluating improvements to constituent search. We are also exploring returning spouse data in search results and displaying the constituent ID once a record is selected 

Appeals and Donor Context 

Will we be able to see recent appeals sent to a donor/constituent while entering gifts in Batch, similar to the prior iteration of Batch in web view? 

The grid layout reduced the available space for displaying recent appeals. However, we are exploring alternative solutions and hope to deliver options in April-June 2026.

Payment and Recurring Gift Details 

Will we be able to add credit card type and authorization code when entering a credit card gift from a third-party solution (e.g., Almabase)? 

We are currently defining our approach for manual recurring gift processing and expect to share more details soon. Our goal is to leverage our payment services to securely store and manage this information. 

Data Access and Reporting 

Will we still be able to view historical batches once database view is retired? What happens to that data? 

Yes. While the exact format is still being finalized, we will ensure that all existing batch data is available in web view before any database view functionality is turned off.  

This initial release is the first phase of grid view batch in web view. We’ll continue to enhance your experience, adding more robust capabilities as indicated above. While we have a clear roadmap for this development, you may influence it by sharing your ideas through the Idea Bank.