Imported vs. Linked Data
Understand linked Drive files vs imported records.
DonorDesk works with your data in two ways.
Linked (stays where it is)
- Evidence in Google Drive: DonorDesk stores a reference to the file. The file stays in your Drive under your control and does not use your DonorDesk quota.
- If a verified file changes after verification, DonorDesk flags it (stale verification / evidence hash mismatch) and asks you to re-verify.
- If you lose access to the file in Drive, it cannot be read by DonorDesk.
Imported (copied into DonorDesk)
- Excel/CSV imports of logframe, indicators, activities and evidence records create DonorDesk records. Later edits to your spreadsheet do not change them.
- Google Sheets import of indicator values copies the values into the grid when you import and save. It is not a live sync.
- DonorDesk-managed uploads are stored by DonorDesk and count toward your storage.
Which to use
| Situation | Choose |
|---|---|
| Files your organisation already keeps in Drive | Link |
| Records you want DonorDesk to own and report on | Import |
| No Google account | DonorDesk storage |
Text from documents is read so AI drafts can cite it, whichever way the file is held.