I have set up a batch template to input pledges from an annual event at our organization.  The problem I am having is that I have to manually add the constituent code and it is very time consuming.  We have had a student go through all the pledge forms and add the constituent numbers for all the pledges (which number in the thousands) and I have pre-populated most of the batch report.  Essentially I can now whip through the data entry with the exception of this one field.  I did an import to add all the new constituents, and I made the constituent code part of that import so, for NEW constituents, I don't have to add the code, just for the thousands of constituents who are already in the database.  Any suggestions, or thoughts as to why I can't pre-populate the constituent code field?

The constituent code in a gift batch would only default as you enter the row - if the rows are already populated you would have to go in and manually update this field (if it is a required field) because this field is on the GIFT record NOT the CONSTITUENT record. They are 2 separate fields. (Pull up a gift and go to the Misc. tab and you will see this field)

A suggestion since you have already set this up and it is incorrect so that you would have to manually go into the batch and fix the gift constituent code.

Temporarily make constituency code not required

commit your batch

query on your batch (gift query) and eacgh constituent code group

Use Global Change under admin to add the constiuency codes to each of these gifts

Make constituency Code a required field again.

Laurel's suggestion is a great work around. 

Is the this gift constituency code you want always the primary constituency code? 

Laurel - if it's no, will they need to query on individual code that should be associated with gift in some kind of a order? Per our structure, I was just thinking there are times when our board members gifts get constituency code of board as that's associated with gift, at other times, I may need to select a different code for their gifts.

No, it wouldn't be the primary constituency code.  We would not want that code to supercede other codes that apply to the constituent rather than a single gift they gave.  Perhaps our organization is using the constituency codes wrong or there is a better way to do what we are trying to do.  We run this event annually and the department head would like to be able to use a query to determine which constituents made a pledge and which constituents actually participated in the event.  In many cases the constituent did both. 

I don't entirely understand Laurel's suggestion.  However, based on her suggestion I am now wondering if it would be possible, as she suggested, to not make the constituency code mandatory, and then to go in later using an import, and add 'CIM 09 pledge' to the constituent record. 

From what you just described I am wondering why you are not using APPEAL? Constituency Code should explain the Donor's relationship to the organization (Staff, Alumni, Public Donor, Corporation, etc.) Appeal  is the field used to determine why the donation was given - in reply to what solicitation. For instance an example of what you just described. CIM donation and CIM registration fee (ticket or whatever) would be the Appeal and the Years would be determined using Gift Date.

Based on your information, I have changed the coding from Constituent to an Appeal.  Aside from the fact that it is a more appropriate designation, it also makes it easier to do the data entry piece which is my more immediate concern.  However, I have now run into an issue with data entry.  Because the event wasn't a solicitation per se, the data hasn't been entered, via import, to the constituent records.  Now, everytime I input a pledge from the event a get a pop up that asks me about adding the info to the constiuent's gift info. ie) 'The CIM09 appeal is not listed on the constituent's record...etc.' Then I have to uncheck three boxes to procede onto the next data entry.  Is there a way I can prevent this from happening?

Change this setting: 

Config/Business Rules/General Options

If a constituent gives to an appeal not on their appeal tab

(I think it must be set to ASK) choose either to add it or do not add so it doesn't prompt you

Great!  I'm rolling along now. Thanks!