User Guide
Table of contents
1. search in the index
1.1 General
1.2 Map Search - Sponsor Search on the "fundraiso-map
1.3 Multilingualism / language versions
1.4 Use of the search filters
2. Working with favourite lists
2.1 Saving entries in the favourite list
2.2. Note functions
2.3 Prioritization/sequence
3. Export of favourite lists into Excel
4. fundraiso relations / relationship function
1. search in the index
1.1 General
The fundraiso.ch search index is created anew every night. This means that all changes that happen daily can be reflected directly in the index. For example, new database entries such as start-ups are immediately indexed and searchable. Likewise the numerous address changes that happen on a daily basis. The core of the search is the keyword search. This is made possible by one of the strongest open source search software. By weighting various criteria, the search (and thus the search results) can be changed. Currently, keywords that appear in the name or purpose/description of an organisation are given the highest priority. 2nd priority is given to the addresses of an organisation. This means that you can also search for the locality and thus obtain the results relating to this locality. Last priority is given to internal attributions, which take place in the background. Thus, subject areas are added manually to individual entries, which are also indexed and thus included in the search. The attributes are listed per address in the search results, as shown in the following graphic:
When searching for keywords, it is essential to consider which keywords you want to work with. Some organisations are involved in explicit thematic areas such as research, environment, science, social affairs, education, scholarships, development aid / development cooperation, culture, art, music, senior citizens, children / young people, women, etc. It makes sense to search for these thematic areas. It makes sense to search for these thematic areas. Others, on the other hand, support one sector in general - for example, "non-profit", "start-ups", "innovation" - so it is worth looking for the sector. Many foundations in particular keep the subject areas open and mention, for example, general support for "charitable causes". These can only be found if you search for "non-profit", "charitable", etc.
NOTE: You can use the asterisk * to cut off a word and search for all variations of it. For example, development* for development aid, development cooperation, etc. Very effective if you want to cover all variations of a term.
It is of course also possible to use several keywords. As a rule, it is worth using 1-2 words. With 2 words, a combination of topic + region often makes sense - for example, "culture Zurich" or "education Bern". In any case, you can use the search filters as a guide when choosing keywords until you have developed a feeling for them yourself.
1.2 Map search - Search for sponsors on the "fundraiso-map
The so-called map search can be switched on and off in the search. It is particularly suitable for geographical aspects of the search. This is particularly interesting for local, regional or cantonal projects, because it allows you to search on the map for possible partner organisations that are domiciled in the target area itself. Of course, it is also suitable for other types of research.
1.3 Multilingualism / language versions
Fundraiso.ch enables a cross-language search. For example, if you search for a search term on the German version of the site, translated entries from the other language regions are also included in the search query and displayed as results. This enables a comprehensive query of the entire index in one language. Of course, you can also restrict this if you do not want translated search results. To search only in one language, select the desired language version and the respective language filter.
NOTE: This sign in the left corner stands for a translated version and the original language of an entry.
Each database entry is made in the original language. Thus, per language filter, you will find all entries in the respective language. Since the search software has its own weightings and specifications for each language, these can only be used if you work with the language filter of the respective language. The default language is German. For optimal results in the other languages, we recommend using the filters.
1.4 Use of the search filters
The category filter is the centre of the filter search. Since fundraiso.ch has different types of institutions in its database, different categories are used for the different types. The category search allows you to focus thematically on, for example, only foundations, only sponsors, only associations or funds. Since each category has its own challenges in terms of application and other aspects, we keep the categories separate and encourage the user to work per category.
Another important filter is the country filter, which allows you to search per country of domicile. This is especially important if you want to go through the different countries individually.
2. working with favourite lists
2.1 Saving entries in the favourite list
Storage in the search view
In the search view, each entry can be added directly to the standard list by means of an asterisk. If you want to add an entry to another list, you can select the relevant list via dropdown and tick it.
Each list can be set as a standard list. In this way, the star storage can be used for each list. By clicking on the star, an entry is added to the defined standard list.
The standard list is marked as such in each case after it has been defined:
Saving in the detail view
In the detailed view of a database entry, saving to a list can also be carried out. The information on the favourite lists is arranged in the detailed view of an application under the purpose/description. There you can also see the notes of each list for a record and edit them directly.
In the detailed view, the watch lists are located below the purpose/description:
2.2 Note functions
Two different note functions can be used in the favourite lists view: On the one hand, the purpose of a list can be described; on the other hand, a note can be added to each record in a watch list. The notes are all private and accordingly cannot be viewed by any other users. The notes are exported with the export to Excel.
2.3 Prioritisation/ Sequence
The order of the individual entries in a list can be changed, whereby a prioritisation can be achieved by means of order (e.g. the higher up, the more important). The individual entries can simply be dragged with the mouse and dropped into the same list (drag & drop). If you want to move a record, you have to use the double arrow area with the mouse.
The individual entries can be moved by mouse on the marked double arrow key and rearranged in the list:
3. Export of favourite lists into Excel
Each favourite list can be exported with Export to Excel! Your own notes will be exported as well.
NOTE: Deletions do not disappear from the favourite lists, but they have the status "deleted", which can be seen after exporting to Excel.
4. Fundraiso-Relations / Relationship Function Watch the explanatory video
The relationship function of fundraiso.ch was created to show past donor relationships. For this reason, there is a section entitled "Funding relationships" (if any have been added to the respective entry) on each organisation profile. This data is constantly being expanded and supplemented. You can see in which years who has entered into a sponsorship or funding relationship with whom. If known, concrete amounts are also displayed.
5. Start-up Newsletter (only for Premium Members)
The New Foundations Newsletter summarises all newly founded and deleted foundations in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein by email every Monday (or monthly if you wish). You can save the relevant new foundations (after logging in) directly to a favourite list so that they do not get lost. As a Premium Member, you will find the 20 most recent database entries in your dashboard.