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Campaign Updates

Campaign updates are progress posts that let you share milestones, thank donors, and show how contributions are making a difference. Regular updates build trust, keep donors engaged, and can motivate additional contributions.

What Are Campaign Updates?​

Each update is a timestamped message attached to your campaign. Updates include:

  • Date -- when the update was published
  • Author -- who posted the update (your organization name)
  • Description -- the update message itself

Updates appear on the campaign's Updates tab in reverse chronological order, with the most recent update at the top.

  1. From the Dashboard, select Donation Campaigns in the sidebar.
  2. Select a campaign to open its detail page.
  3. Select the Updates tab from the tab navigation.
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Screenshot: Updates tab on campaign detail page
The campaign detail page with the Updates tab selected, showing a list of published updates with dates, author names, and descriptions

Viewing Updates​

When you open the Updates tab, you will see:

  • A count header showing the total number of updates (e.g., "3 Updates")
  • Each update displayed as a card with:
    • The date the update was posted (e.g., "Mar 15, 2026")
    • The author name (your organization name)
    • The update description -- the full text of the progress message

Updates are displayed in newest-first order so the most recent progress is always visible at the top.

Empty State​

If no updates have been published yet, you will see a message:

  • "No updates yet"
  • For admins: "Share progress with your donors by publishing an update."
  • For non-admin viewers: "No updates have been published for this campaign."

Publishing an Update​

Organization admins can publish updates to share progress with donors.

Steps to Publish​

  1. Navigate to the campaign's Updates tab.
  2. Select the Publish Update button.
  3. A side panel slides open titled "Share Progress with Donors."
  4. Type your update message in the text area. The message must be at least 10 characters long.
  5. Select Publish to post the update.
  6. The update appears immediately at the top of the updates list.
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Screenshot: Publish Update side panel
A side panel open on the right side of the screen titled "Share Progress with Donors" with a text area for typing the update message and a Publish button at the bottom
info

The update is saved to the campaign's update log immediately. The author is automatically set to your organization name, and the date is set to the current date and time.

Validation​

  • The update description must be at least 10 characters long. If it is shorter, an error message prompts you to write more.
  • Empty updates cannot be published.

Why Campaign Updates Matter​

Regular updates are one of the most effective ways to drive continued giving and build lasting relationships with your donors:

BenefitHow It Helps
TransparencyDonors see exactly how their money is being used
TrustRegular communication builds confidence in your organization
EngagementUpdates remind donors about the campaign and encourage sharing
Additional donationsProgress milestones can motivate donors to give again
CommunityDonors feel part of the mission, not just a transaction

Examples of Good Campaign Updates​

Here are examples of effective updates for different types of campaigns:

Milestone Updates​

  • "We have reached 50% of our goal! Thank you to all 45 donors who have contributed so far. Your support is making this possible."
  • "Amazing news -- we have passed the $10,000 mark! We are now just $2,500 away from our target."

Progress Updates​

  • "Construction has officially begun on the new playground. Here is a quick update: the foundation was poured last week and equipment arrives next month."
  • "School supplies have been delivered to 200 students across three schools this week. Each student received a backpack, notebooks, and writing materials."

Thank You Updates​

  • "A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated during our giving week. We received 87 donations totaling $15,320 -- exceeding our weekly goal by 30%."
  • "We want to recognize our top supporters this month. Your generosity is directly funding after-school programs for 150 children."

Impact Updates​

  • "Because of your donations, 12 families received emergency assistance this month. Each family received grocery vouchers and utility payment support."
  • "The new equipment is installed and in use! Our youth athletes are already training with the updated gear. Thank you for making this happen."

Closing Updates​

  • "This campaign is now complete. Thanks to your generosity, we raised $25,000 -- exceeding our goal by $3,000. Every dollar will go toward building the community garden."
tip

Post updates regularly -- aim for at least one update per week for active fundraising campaigns. Even a brief note like "Thank you for the continued support, we are now at 75% of our goal!" keeps donors connected to your campaign.

Update Best Practices​

  1. Be specific -- Include numbers, percentages, or concrete details. "We raised $5,000 this week" is better than "We had a great week."
  2. Show impact -- Connect donations to outcomes whenever possible. Donors want to know their money made a difference.
  3. Be timely -- Post updates when milestones happen, not weeks later.
  4. Express gratitude -- Always thank your donors. Recognition encourages repeat giving.
  5. Keep it honest -- If things are behind schedule or not going as planned, be transparent. Donors respect honesty.

What's Next?

Learn how to view donor details and transaction history in Viewing Donors.