Why Fund Naming Matters for Integrations

When an integration is first configured, Overflow links funds in our system to those in your external platform using identifiers such as fund names or IDs. If a fund name is changed in Overflow after the initial sync, the system may no longer recognize it as the same entity—causing:

• Failed or missing synced transactions
• Duplicate or unassigned funds in your ChMS
• Reconciliation errors between platforms

Best Practices to Avoid Sync Failures

1. Avoid Renaming Funds After Sync

Once funds are synced with your ChMS or financial system, avoid making name changes directly in Overflow. If a rename is needed, please coordinate with your Account Manager to ensure both systems are updated in sync.

2. Use Consistent Naming Conventions

Adopt a clear and consistent naming strategy for your funds (e.g., "Tithes - Campus A" or "General Fund - Online Giving") before initial import and maintain those names across all systems.

3. Audit Fund Mappings Regularly

We recommend reviewing your active fund mappings every quarter or before launching a new campaign. This helps catch any mismatches or outdated fund links early.

4. Communicate Fund Changes with Overflow

If you're planning to update fund names or create new ones, let us know! We can guide you through best practices to minimize any impact on integrations or donor experience.

What Happens if a Fund is Renamed?

If a fund is renamed after it has already synced with a third-party platform, Overflow will treat it as a new fund unless the connection is manually re-established. This can lead to syncing failures and missed transactions.

In some recent cases, we’ve seen partners experience “missing data” in their ChMS due to post-import fund renaming. This required manual cleanup and syncing of transactions that had failed silently.

Need Help?

If you're unsure whether a fund update could impact your integration, please reach out to your Overflow Account Manager or submit a support request. We’re here to ensure your data stays clean, accurate, and synced.

By following these practices, you’ll reduce the risk of syncing issues, streamline your reconciliation process, and ensure your donor data remains intact across platforms.

Still have questions? Contact our support team for guidance at support@overflow.co. We're happy to help!