Modifying Recurring Gift Frequency and Dates

This article explains how to update an active recurring donation’s schedule in the admin interface, what options can be changed, and the limitations to consider.

Quick answers

• You can only change the recurring frequency to one of the options enabled on the original giving form.

• For non-indefinite recurring gifts, you may need to update the end date when modifying the schedule.

• Available frequency options are limited to monthly and yearly.

Before you start

• Ensure you have the appropriate permissions to edit gift details.

• Remember that changes affect only future installments; past installments remain unchanged.

What you can change

• Frequency: Update the recurring frequency for future installments to either monthly or yearly. You cannot add options that were not enabled on the original giving form.

• End date (for non-indefinite plans): Adjust the end date when modifying subscriptions that are set for a finite number of payments.

Common scenarios

• Donor intended an annual donation: If the donor’s original form included an annual option, you can change the subscription to yearly. If the annual option isn’t available, only the enabled frequencies may be used.

• Finite installment plans: When a subscription with a fixed number of payments is modified, update the end date or installment count so the schedule reflects the donor’s intent.

• Subscriptions showing as failed or paused: Edit any subscription parameters as needed. For non-indefinite plans, ensure the end date remains accurate after any modifications.

What you cannot do

• You cannot select frequency options that were not enabled on the original giving form.

• Some advanced or backdated schedule changes are not supported by the subscription management interface.

After you save

• Future installments will follow the new schedule while past installments remain unchanged in the donation history.

• Verify the updated subscription details, including the next payment date, to ensure accuracy.

Troubleshooting and notes

• Missing frequency option: If you do not see the desired frequency, it means that option was not enabled on the form when the donor signed up.

Best practices

• Confirm the donor's intent before making any changes and update your records accordingly.

• Review the subscription details after editing to verify the scheduled payment date and installment amount.

• For finite plans, double-check that changes to frequency and the end date maintain the correct total commitment.

Summary

• You can only change to frequencies enabled on the original giving form.

• For non-indefinite gifts, updating the end date may be necessary.

• Changes apply only to future installments.