New Microsoft Word Integration

Automate mail merges from DPO to Microsoft Word!

DonorPerfect is pleased to announce we have completed our Microsoft Word integration.  This will allow our users to easily merge information from an individual donor, or a group of donors, to a previously saved template and perform an automatic mail merge within Microsoft Word.  The end result can then be easily printed or emailed, making your communication efforts easier and more professional!

Instructions to use Instant Mail Merge for One Donor:

  1. On every Main screen, there�s a button labeled �Instant Merge�.  Clicking on this button will pull up the Instant Merge Screen, shown below:


  1. You will need to select the template file that Microsoft Word will use as the basis for the letter.  DonorPerfect Online comes with many templates, including labels, general letters, and Thank-you letters.  Click here to access our list of templates.  (For this example, download the General Mail Merge Letter, save it to your computer (on your desktop, for example), and click on the Browse� button to select the template that is now saved on your computer.
  2. Once the template is selected, click on Perform Merge.  Microsoft Word will automatically open and merge your letter.  Below is an example of the General Mail Merge Letter merged for one record:



  3. Once in word, you can easily edit the letter, print it, or even email it from within Microsoft Word!

Instructions to use Instant Merge for Groups of Donors

A.     As before, you will need to access the mail merge screen of DonorPerfect to download the group of donors by clicking on Mailings, Mail Merge:

  1. Once you have selected your options (for example, a Selection Filter�), click Do to download the file.
  2. Save the downloaded file to a location you will remember, and click on Instant Merge.
  3. Select the template file by clicking on Browse.  This template file can be the same one you downloaded in the previous steps above.
  4. Select the data source file you just downloaded by clicking on Browse.
  5. Click on Perform Mail Merge and Microsoft Word will automatically open and merge your letter!

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Why do I have to use Internet Explorer to use this feature?

A.     We use a technology called �Active X� to enable this integration.  Active X is only available through Internet Explorer and allows your trusted websites (such as DonorPerfect Online) to control your computer and automate routine tasks (such as mail merging).  Only Internet Explorer allows this type of automation with Microsoft Word.

  1. When I click on Perform Mail Merge, nothing happens.  What do I do?

A.     It is likely that your security settings are set too high for this feature to run correctly.  To correct this problem, you will need to change the security settings for Internet Explorer.  To lower your settings, follow these directions:

1.      From the "Tools" menu in Internet Explorer 5+ or the "View" menu in Internet Explorer 4.0, select "Internet Options". 

2.      Click the "Security" tab. 

3.      Select "Custom" (for expert users), and click "Settings". 

4.      Under the "Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe" option, change the setting from Disable to Prompt. 

  1. Can I use my own templates?

A.     Absolutely!  Since each template contains code the formats your data correctly, we recommend that you download one of our common templates, and then edit the text to customize the template.  In addition, you can add graphics and/or your logo to the template, creating a truly unique, professional document to communicate with your donors.