Getting Started with HelpYouSponsor: Child Sponsorship Software

HelpYouSponsor is web-based software for managing child sponsorship programs. Here's what you need to know:

• Handles unlimited donor, child, and sponsorship records
• Customizable to fit your organization
• Includes donor management and payments
• Accessible from any internet-connected device

Key setup steps:

1. Gather account details and documents

2. Create admin account and add org info

3. Set up sponsorship types/levels

4. Add child profiles

5. Configure donor tools

6. Set up payments

7. Establish communication processes

8. Learn reporting features

This guide will help you get HelpYouSponsor up and running to manage your sponsorship program.

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Before You Start

Here's what you need before diving in:

Computer Requirements

• Up-to-date web browser
• Stable internet connection
• Device with 4GB+ RAM recommended

Account Details

Gather:

• Organization's legal name
• Contact info
• Billing details
• Staff names/emails for access

Needed Documents

Have ready:

• High-res logo file
• Existing program details
• Financial info for payments

HelpYouSponsor offers 8 free one-hour onboarding calls to help with setup.

Setting Up Your Account

Let's create your HelpYouSponsor account:

Making an Admin Account

1. Go to HelpYouSponsor site, click "Sign Up"
2. Enter email, create password
3. Verify email
4. Complete profile

Use a unique, complex password. Consider a password manager.

Adding Organization Info

1. Go to "Organization Profile"
2. Enter nonprofit name
3. Upload logo
4. Add mission and program description
5. Include contact details

Setting User Roles

Two main roles:

To set up:

1. Go to "User Management"
2. Click "Add New User"
3. Enter email, select role
4. User gets invite to create account

Only give Administrator access to financial/leadership staff.

Tailoring Your Sponsorship Program

Customize your program in HelpYouSponsor:

Choosing Sponsorship Types

Options:

• One-to-One
• Many-to-One
• Unlimited-to-One

Create custom segments by:

• Communities
• Cities
• Countries
• Education levels

Setting Sponsorship Levels

Sample structure:

Ensure you can deliver promised benefits.

Setting Up Money Options

1. Choose primary currency
2. Set up Stripe for cards
3. Enable check payments

Test payment systems before launch.

Adding Child Profiles

Connect donors with children:

Creating New Child Profiles

1. Go to "Sponsorships"
2. Click "New Sponsorship"
3. Fill required fields:
   • Title/Name
   • Type
   • Birth date
   • Image

Use codes instead of names for child protection.

Adding Photos and Info

• Profiles need images to display publicly
• Use placeholders if needed
• Add details in Description box

Grouping Children

Organize by:

• Communities
• Cities
• Countries
• Education levels

This helps donors find children to support.

Managing Donors

Use HelpYouSponsor's tools to build donor relationships:

Making Donor Accounts

1. Go to "Donors"
2. Click "Add New Donor"
3. Fill in details:
   • Name
   • Email
   • Phone
   • Preferred contact

Use bulk upload for existing lists.

Choosing Contact Methods

Set up automated emails for new donors.

Using Donor Engagement Tools

• Personalized dashboards
• Impact stories
• Donor surveys
• Event management

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Setting Up Payments

Process donations smoothly:

Adding Stripe for Card Payments

1. Sign up for Stripe
2. Apply for nonprofit rates
3. Connect Stripe in HelpYouSponsor

Setting Up Check Payments

1. Enable "Check Payments"
2. Set up instructions for donors
3. Create process for logging checks

Testing Payment Systems

1. Make test donations
2. Check Stripe dashboard
3. Verify in HelpYouSponsor
4. Test refunds

Contact support if issues arise.

Communication Tools

Keep everyone connected:

Creating Email Templates

1. Go to "Email Templates"
2. Click "New Template"
3. Choose type
4. Write message with placeholders
5. Save and test

Setting Up Sponsor-Child Contact

1. Enable "Direct Messaging"
2. Set frequency limits
3. Choose staff to review messages

Privacy and Safety Rules

Train staff on safety features.

Reports and Data Analysis

Turn data into insights:

Making Custom Reports

1. Go to "Custom Reports"
2. Choose data points
3. Set date ranges/filters
4. Select visualization
5. Save and schedule

Start with key metrics.

Setting Up Dashboard Data

1. Pick 3-5 crucial metrics
2. Choose display formats
3. Set refresh rates

Exporting Data

1. Go to "Export Data"
2. Select types and date range
3. Choose file format
4. Export and save

Schedule regular exports for tracking trends.

Fixing Common Problems

Tackle frequent issues:

Login Issues

1. Check username/password
2. Clear browser cache
3. Use "Forgot Password"

Contact support if needed.

Payment Errors

Profile Update Problems

1. Check required fields
2. Address error messages
3. Update one field at a time

Contact tech support for system-wide issues.

Tips for Best Use

Get the most from HelpYouSponsor:

Updating the System

Set up automatic updates or check weekly.

Backing Up Data

Follow the 3-2-1 rule:

• 3 copies
• 2 media types
• 1 offsite

Use cloud storage for offsite backups.

Training Staff

Cover:

• Basic navigation
• Data entry best practices
• Communication tools
• Reporting and analytics

Hold quarterly refreshers.

Conclusion

You've set up HelpYouSponsor to make a real difference. Remember:

• Regular updates keep things running smoothly
• Backups protect your work
• Staff training ensures effective use

As you get comfortable, explore advanced features to:

• Gain deeper program insights
• Automate donor engagement
• Streamline your workflow

By mastering HelpYouSponsor, you're empowering your organization to change lives. Take what you've learned and watch your program grow. The children are counting on you.

Related posts

• 5 Common Challenges in Child Sponsorship Programs; How HelpYouSponsor Solves Them?
• Child Sponsorship Software HelpYouSponsor.com Features, What’s Included
• Why HelpYouSponsor is the best child sponsorship software
• Why HelpYouSponsor is the Go-To Child Sponsorship Software for Leading Nonprofits