We get a number of gifts from constituents that the constituent specifically asks to be anonymous. So, in other words, they ask that we not recognize them by name - at least for that specific gift. We've been placing an action reminder in the constituents file to remind us prior to publishing our annual report, but that is not an overly effective method. Can anyone suggest and alternate, more effective way of tracking anonymous donations. Thanks in advance. Melina

For entry on specific gifts go to the gift record >> Miscellaneous tab.  About mid-screen on the left side is a check box for "gift is anonymous."  The field is also available to use for batch entry if you enter gifts that way. 

If you select Tools >> User Options >>Reports >> Gift Preferences you can choose how you wish anonymous gifts to appear on reports.  Options are:

1. Asterisk at end of line
2. Leave name in tact
3. Use 'Anonymous'

We use "asterisk at end of line" while working day to day and then "Use Anonymous" when we're ready for final report. 

Hope that helps.

Also, on Bio tab 1 at the bottom right hand corner there is a check box "Gives anonymously".  Check that .

You would only check the one on Bio 1 "gives anonymously" if they ALWAYS give anonymously.   Checking gives anonymously will make evey new gift after that point have the anonymous checkbox be default checked. 

I do not think that is the situation here. If they only want a particular gift to be anonymous then you can manually check the anonymous checkbox on just that gift.  Unfortunately it is not very well placed and easily overlooked so I would also A) create a business rule to popup to let people they are opening an anonymous gift B) maybe add it in the gift reference and C) maybe add an annotation that this donor has at least one anonymous gift on their record.

Sorry -- I missed that part of the question -- yes, the check box on Bio 1 is if the donor wants all gifts to be anonymous, the check box on the gift is for only that gift.

Thanks everyone. I think you've answered my question. Yes, that's correct that the donor is NOT ALWAYS donating anonymously - only on specific gifts. I definitely overlooked the check box on the actual gift - mainly because our business office enters the gifts...hence not so familiar with all the ins and outs of the gift tab. Glad to have posted on the forum - it was my first time posting anything! Thanks again!