Soft credits

In the context of nonprofits using Salesforce, soft credits are a way to acknowledge and give credit to individuals or entities that may have influenced a donation or played a role in securing it, even if they were not the actual donor. Soft credits help nonprofits recognize and honor these connections and relationships.

Let's imagine a scenario:

Sarah is a dedicated volunteer at a nonprofit organization called "Community Care." She has been actively engaging with potential donors, spreading awareness about the organization's mission, and helping to secure donations. One day, Sarah convinces her friend David to make a significant contribution to Community Care.

In this case, David would be considered the primary donor, as he made the actual donation. However, Sarah played an essential role in influencing and securing the donation. To acknowledge Sarah's efforts, the nonprofit can create a soft credit for her in Salesforce.

By assigning a soft credit to Sarah, Community Care recognizes her contribution in the fundraising process. It shows that Sarah's efforts mattered and highlights the impact of her work as a volunteer. Soft credits provide a comprehensive view of the relationships and networks that contribute to a nonprofit's success beyond direct donations.

Soft credits can be used to acknowledge various types of influential relationships, such as board members, staff members, volunteers, event organizers, or other individuals who helped secure a donation. By attributing soft credits, nonprofits can build stronger relationships, improve donor stewardship, and better understand the network of support behind their fundraising efforts.

Overall, soft credits in Salesforce NPSP are a way to give credit and recognition to individuals who have played a significant role in securing donations, even if they were not the direct donors themselves. It's a way for nonprofits to acknowledge the broader network of support that contributes to their success.