How to format your spreadsheet before running an import.
Before you import, make sure your spreadsheet is formatted correctly.
Format requirements
- File type: CSV (comma-separated values). Export from Excel, Google Sheets, or any other spreadsheet tool as
.csv. - First row: Column headers (the import wizard uses these to suggest field mappings).
- One sheet only: If your spreadsheet has multiple tabs, export each tab separately.
Column naming tips
The import wizard will try to automatically match your column names to ThirdSectorBee fields. Matching works best when column names are descriptive:
| Instead of… | Use… |
|---|---|
col1 |
First Name |
em |
Email Address |
DOB |
Date of Birth |
You don’t need to rename your columns — you can always map them manually in the wizard — but clear names save time.
Dates
Phone numbers
Required fields
Each entity type has a minimum set of required fields:
| Entity | Minimum required |
|---|---|
| Contact | First name, Last name |
| Organisation | Name |
| Thing | Name |
| Payment | Amount, Date |
| Touchpoint | Type, Direction, Date |
| Fundraising activity | Name |