How to Use Tags for Constituent Segmentation

This guide demonstrates how to leverage tags to segment your constituent base for targeted communication, reporting, and stewardship strategies.

Segmentation divides your constituent database into meaningful groups based on shared characteristics. Effective segmentation enables:

• Personalized communication tailored to each segment's interests
• Data-driven fundraising strategies by donor segment
• Volunteer and event management by participation level
• Grant prospect pipeline management by stage
• Stewardship activities matched to constituent capacity and interests

Begin with simple filtering using a single tag:

1. Navigate to Constituents Reporting tool in the lefthand navigation bar.
2. In the dropdown labeled ‘Choose Filter’, look for the "Tags" option.
3. In the Value box, begin typing the name of the Tag that you would like to use. This will list Tags for you to select.
4. Click on a tag (e.g., ‘Board Member,’ Volunteer’).
5. Constituents with that tag appear in the list.

Filtering constituents by tags

Combine multiple tags for precise constituent segments:

1. Navigate to Constituents and follow the instructions above for adding a single filter.
2. Either copy the row for the Tag filter by clicking the green copy button on the far right of the row or click ‘Choose Filter’ and select the ‘Tags’ option again. Select the additional Tag value needed.
3. Use AND to find donors with multiple tags.
4. Use OR to find donors with either tag.

Advanced Segmentation Results

AND Logic: Find constituents with BOTH tags (e.g., Board Members who are also Volunteers = 8 constituents)

OR Logic: Find constituents with EITHER tag (e.g., Board Members OR Volunteers = 62 constituents)

Tags can be combined with other filters to further segment your constituent base.

Case Study 1: Major Gift Campaign

Segment for a targeted major gift campaign:

• Filters: Major Donor AND Has Given $50k+ AND NOT Recently Solicited
• Result: 23 prospects for personalized outreach
• Action: Create custom email campaign with major gift messaging

Case Study 2: Annual Fund Renewal

Segment annual fund donors for renewal campaign:

• Filters: Individual Donor AND Annual Fund Donor AND Last Gift > 1 year ago
• Result: 156 constituents due for renewal outreach
• Action: Launch multi-channel renewal campaign

Case Study 3: Event Volunteer Matching

Segment volunteers for an upcoming fundraising event:

• Filters: Event Volunteer
• Result: 45 volunteers
• Action: Invite former volunteers to help at an upcoming event

1. Once filtered, use the features in constituent reports to create an email segment, merge a letter or click ‘Export’ to download your list.
2. You can also globally add actions or tags as needed.

1. Keep your tag taxonomy consistent—don't create duplicate tags
2. Apply tags at the point of entry (e.g., when recording a gift, add Donor Level tag)
3. Review and update tags periodically (e.g., update Donor Level as giving changes)
4. Document which tags are used for which purpose to ensure team alignment
5. Avoid over-tagging—use a focused set of tags that directly support your strategies

• Use saved reports for recurring segmentations. Name them clearly (e.g., "Major Gift Prospects 2026").
• Combine tag filtering with other criteria like gift date, amount, or action history for powerful segmentation.
• Review monthly reports by segment to track trends and validate your segmentation strategy.
• Train your team on segmentation logic to ensure consistent application across your organization.