Householding in Version2

Version2 currently treats each record in a Portfolio File as an individual constituent. There is not yet a built-in householding feature that links spouses or other household members together.

This article explains how spouses should be handled in Portfolio and Gift Files, and how hard and soft credits are processed.

Does Version2 support householding?

At this time, Version2 does not support householding.

The system does not connect spouses or other members of the same household. Each record is treated as a completely separate individual for outreach, stewardship, and reporting purposes.

Because of this, it is recommended that only one member of a household be included in Version2 files.

What happens if both spouses are included?

If both household members are included in the Portfolio File:

Each individual will receive separate outreach
Stewardship messages may be duplicated
Reporting may reflect both individuals independently

If hard and soft credits are also included for both spouses in the Gift File, this can result in:

Double counting of giving in reporting since launch
Double counting of fiscal year totals (if FY fields include soft credit)
Duplicate stewardship messages

For this reason, Version2 recommends including only the primary household member in your Portfolio File unless you intend for spouses to be treated as completely separate constituents.

How does Version2 handle hard and soft credits?

The VEO stewards all gifts included in the Gift File, regardless of whether they are hard or soft credited.

This means:

If a soft credit gift is included in the Gift File, the VEO will steward it
If both spouses are included and both receive gift credit (hard or soft), both may receive stewardship messaging

To avoid duplication or confusion:

Carefully determine whether soft credits should be included in the Gift File
Align Gift File reporting with how you want giving reflected in Version2 since-launch and fiscal year totals

Version2 does not distinguish between hard and soft credits for stewardship purposes; it stewards based on the data provided.

Recommended best practice

To prevent duplicate outreach and inflated reporting totals:

Include only one household member in the Portfolio File
Ensure Gift File data reflects your intended reporting logic
Avoid including both spouses unless they should be treated independently

Householding functionality is being considered for future roadmap development, but it is not currently available.

Need support?

For questions or help, please email version2support@givzey.com