Steps to Set Up Need Connect
Follow these high-level steps to set up the Need Connect application.
1. Grant Access via the Platform
At installation, all administrator users have full access to the Needs Management section in MinistryPlatform. To grant access to other users, we recommend you create two additional security roles and assign them to the appropriate users.
A Need Connect Basic role might have edit rights for areas where the user can manage assigned needs and Need Types for providers but have no access to the campaigns.
A Need Connect Advanced role might have edit rights to all aspects of the campaigns and assign rights for Need Type providers.
For more information on what these permissions mean, see Page Permissions.
2. Create a Need Campaign
The Need Connect application displays Need Types and Needs organized by a Need Campaign. The active Need Campaign is the campaign that has Is Default set to Yes. The title and description of the campaign displays at the top of the Connect Form.
A sample Need Campaign is provided at install. To add, edit, or delete as needed, go to . For steps on how to do that, see Need Campaign Setup.
3. Create Need Types
Need Types are the listing of needs that someone requires help with or that someone wants to provide help with. These display on the Connect Form, and the Connect Board is organized by Need Types.
At installation, there are several sample Need Types provided. To add, edit, or delete as needed, go to . For steps on how to do that, see Need Type Setup.
4. Customize Email Templates
- Requester Confirmation Email Template: Sent to the requester (if they're not logged in) after making the request for help.
- Provider Confirmation Email Template: Sent to the provider (if they're not logged in) after making the offer to help.
- Provider Invite Email Template: Sent to the provider after they have been approved to help with a specific Need Type.
- Provider Assignment Email Template: Sent to the provider after they claim a need from the Connect Board.
- Need Assigned Email Template: Sent to the requester after a provider claims their need from the Connect Board.
- Provider Follow-up Email Template: Sent to the provider the day an incomplete assigned need exceeds the campaign's Expected Days to Complete value.
5. Determine a Provider Approval Procedure
You must decide the standards of approval that providers must meet. You'll approve providers through the Platform so they can gain access to the Connect Board and assign needs.
6. Share with Your Community
Once your campaign is ready, get the word out to your community! For tips on promoting Need Connect, see Need Management.