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How to Use Pre-Seeded Donations 

Pre-Seeded Donations let you add off-platform contributions to your fundraiser thermometer and control when they appear on screen.

If donors have committed funds outside of Trellis (via cheque, bank transfer, etc), you can enter those amounts ahead of time and release them during your Fund a Need. This is a great way to build momentum at the start of your ask by showing early giving before the room opens up.

Please Note: This feature is for donors paying off-platform who don't need to participate in the Fund a Need or appear in your exports. If you need the donor to raise their paddle, pay through Trellis, or appear in reports, use the Pledge Feature instead.

How to Use Pre-Seeded Donations

Add a Pre-Seeded Donation

  1. From your Fundraiser Page Builder, navigate to Donations > Edit Pre-Seeded Contributions.
  2. Click Add New in the top-right corner.
  3. Enter the Contributor Name and Amount.
  4. Choose how to save:
    • Click Save to store the donation without releasing it yet.
    • Click Release to add it to your thermometer immediately.
    • Click Release and Add More to release it and enter another donation right away.

Release Pre-Seeded Donations

  1. When you're ready to display a donation, click the Release button next to it.
  2. To release multiple donations at once, use the checkboxes to select them and release in bulk.

Heads Up! Released donations appear on screen instantly. You do not need to save or publish your fundraiser for them to show.

Pro Tip: Decide with your event team ahead of time when to release each donation. A common approach is to release them as each giving level is announced during the Fund a Need — just make sure someone is assigned to handle this in real time.

Unrelease a Donation

  1. If you released a donation by mistake, click the 3-Dot icon next to it and select Unrelease. This will remove the donation from your Live Event View. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will pre-seeded donations appear in my exports or reports?

No. Pre-seeded donations are reflected on your thermometer only and will not appear in your Trellis exports or donation reports.

Can I enter pre-seeded donations before my event?

Yes. You can save donations ahead of time and release them whenever you're ready during your event.

What if I just want to add a lump sum without naming a donor?

You can do this through Fundraiser Goal Settings. From your Fundraiser Page Builder, go to Sidebar Settings > Fundraiser Goal > Advanced and enter an amount in the Have you already raised money towards this goal? field.

What's the difference between Pre-Seeded Donations and Pledges?

Pre-Seeded Donations are for off-platform contributions where the donor doesn't need to interact with Trellis. The Pledge Feature is for donors who will participate in the Fund a Need or whose payment you want to track and manage through Trellis.

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Need Help?

Did this answer your question? If not, please reach out to our Product Engagement Team via the blue chat icon or email support@trellis.org.