Six Steps to SFTP

GiveCampus uses secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) to allow Partners using GiveCampus Volunteer Management (GC VM) to provide our team with files containing data about volunteers and constituents, and to automatically transfer updated GC VM data back to our Partners on a nightly basis.

Getting Started with SFTP

Get data-ready by following these easy steps to start using SFTP:

1. Select and install a third-party FTP provider

While GiveCampus is not affiliated with any one provider, Partners have used FileZilla and Cyberduck successfully in the past (bonus points: both are free!).

2. Set up SFTP credentials in your School Dashboard

Go to your School Dashboard and navigate to Data Import → Data Sources

In the SFTP section, select New Credential

Make your selections (More details on the available options can be found in our Data Importer guide)

Select Create Credential

3. Configure your FTP provider with the new server details

Update your existing SFTP application or automation to connect to the new server:

• Protocol: SFTP
• Server: securetransfer.givecampus.com
• Port: 22
• Username: generated by GiveCampus
• Password: generated by GiveCampus (if using the Username/Password method)
• SSH Private Key: required if using the Public SSH Key method

4. Upload files to the correct folder structure

• Files for Volunteer Management imports should be uploaded to: to_givecampus → vm
• Daily exports from Volunteer Management will be available in: from_givecampus → vm

5. Upgrade to the new SFTP server in VM settings

Navigate to: Volunteer Management → Settings

Open the Data Import Files section

Select Upgrade to new SFTP server

6. Test your connection and upload files

Once you have the new SFTP credentials configured, test your connection and upload your first files to ensure everything is working properly.

Important Notes About SFTP Server Migration

Legacy SFTP Server Deprecation: As of March 2, 2026, GiveCampus deprecated the legacy SFTP server (sftp.givecampus.com) for Volunteer Management file imports. All schools must now use the unified self-serve SFTP system.

File Naming Conventions: This change does not affect your file naming conventions—only the server and folder location where you upload your files.

Troubleshooting SFTP Connection Issues

Can't connect to the new server?

• Verify you've created new SFTP credentials in your School Dashboard
• Check that you're using the correct server address: securetransfer.givecampus.com
• Ensure you've clicked "Upgrade to new SFTP server" in VM settings
• The importer will not see files already on the server, so reupload files after upgrading

Files not importing?

• Make sure you're uploading to the correct folder: to_givecampus → vm (not school_data_importer)
• Verify your file names and structure match your original configuration
• Check that you've upgraded to the new SFTP server in VM settings

Common variations of this question

• How do I set up SFTP for Volunteer Management?
• SFTP connection troubleshooting
• New SFTP server setup guide
• Legacy SFTP server migration
• FileZilla configuration for GiveCampus
• VM file upload location