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Getting Started

This guide will help you complete the initial setup and configuration of Growfund after installation. Follow these steps to get your fundraising platform up and running.

Initial Configuration​

After installing and activating Growfund, you'll need to complete the initial setup. This involves configuring basic settings, choosing your operational mode, and setting up payment gateways.

Step 1: Access Growfund Settings​

  1. Navigate to Growfund Settings

    • In your WordPress admin dashboard, locate the Growfund menu in the left sidebar
    • Click on Settings to access the configuration page
    • You'll see various setting categories in the sidebar

  2. Review Available Settings

    • Familiarize yourself with the different setting sections
    • Each section contains specific configuration options
    • See screenshot: Growfund Settings Page

Step 2: Choose Your Platform Mode​

The first important decision is choosing between Campaign Mode and Donation Mode:

  1. Navigate to General Settings

    • Go to Growfund > Settings > General
    • Find the Platform Mode option

  2. Select Your Mode

    • Campaign Mode: For reward-based crowdfunding with pledges and rewards
    • Donation Mode: For direct donations without rewards

  3. Save Your Selection

    • Click Save Changes to apply your choice
    • The interface will update based on your selected mode

Note: You can switch modes later, but this may affect existing campaigns or donations. See Core Platform Modes for detailed information about each mode.

Step 3: Configure Basic Settings​

Complete the basic configuration in the General Settings section:

  1. Currency Settings

    • Select your default currency from the dropdown
    • This will be used for all campaigns and donations
    • Common currencies include USD, EUR, GBP, etc.

  2. Date Format

    • Choose your preferred date format
    • This affects how dates are displayed throughout the platform

  3. Time Zone

    • Set your site's time zone
    • Ensures accurate timestamps for transactions and campaigns

  4. Save Settings

    • Click Save Changes after configuring each section

Step 4: Set Up Payment Gateways​

To accept donations or pledges, you need to configure at least one payment gateway:

  1. Navigate to Payment Settings

    • Go to Growfund > Settings > Payment
    • You'll see available payment gateways

  2. Configure Stripe (Recommended)

    • Click on Stripe settings
    • Enter your Stripe API keys (Publishable Key and Secret Key)
    • Enable test mode for testing (if needed)
    • Save the configuration

  3. Configure PayPal (Optional)

    • Click on PayPal settings
    • Enter your PayPal credentials
    • Configure payment mode (Sandbox for testing, Live for production)
    • Save the configuration

  4. Set Up Offline Payments (Optional)

    • Enable offline/manual payment methods
    • Configure instructions for bank transfers or checks
    • Save the configuration

Important: Ensure your site uses HTTPS for secure payment processing. See Payment System for detailed payment gateway setup.

Step 5: Configure Email Notifications​

Set up email notifications to keep users informed:

  1. Navigate to Email Settings

    • Go to Growfund > Settings > Email & Notifications
    • Configure email settings

  2. Set Up SMTP (Recommended)

    • Configure SMTP settings for reliable email delivery
    • Enter your SMTP server details
    • Test email delivery

  3. Configure Email Templates

    • Review available email templates
    • Customize email content as needed
    • Enable/disable specific email notifications

See Email Notifications for detailed email configuration.

Step 6: Configure User Roles (Optional)​

Set up user permissions and roles:

  1. Navigate to User Permissions

    • Go to Growfund > Settings > User Permissions
    • Review available user roles: Administrator, Fundraiser, Donor, Backer

  2. Configure Registration

    • Enable/disable user registration
    • Set registration requirements
    • Configure email verification (Pro feature)

  3. Set Permissions

    • Configure what each user role can do
    • Set campaign submission requirements
    • Configure moderation settings

See User Management for detailed user role configuration.

Step 7: Configure Campaign Settings (Optional)​

If using Campaign Mode, configure campaign-specific settings:

  1. Navigate to Campaign Settings

    • Go to Growfund > Settings > Campaign
    • Configure campaign defaults

  2. Set Campaign Defaults

    • Default campaign duration
    • Default funding goal format
    • Campaign approval requirements

  3. Configure Reward Settings

    • Set default reward limits (free version: 3 rewards, 5 items per reward)
    • Configure shipping options
    • Set reward delivery settings

See Campaign Management for detailed campaign configuration.

Step 8: Configure Donation Settings (Optional)​

If using Donation Mode, configure donation-specific settings:

  1. Navigate to Donation Settings

    • Go to Growfund > Settings > Campaign > Donation Form
    • Configure donation form options

  2. Set Donation Defaults

    • Default donation amounts
    • Suggested donation amounts (Pro feature)
    • Allow custom donation amounts (Pro feature)

  3. Configure Tribute Options (Pro)

    • Enable tribute donations (in honor/memory of someone)
    • Configure tribute form fields
    • Set up tribute notifications

See Donations for detailed donation configuration.

Creating Your First Campaign​

After completing the initial setup, create your first campaign:

For Campaign Mode​

  1. Navigate to Campaigns

    • Go to Growfund > Campaigns
    • Click Create Campaign

  2. Complete Campaign Details

    • Enter campaign title and description
    • Upload featured image
    • Set funding goal and deadline
    • Add rewards (if applicable)

  3. Submit for Review

    • Save as draft or submit for approval
    • Wait for admin approval (if required)

See Campaign Management for detailed campaign creation steps.

For Donation Mode​

  1. Navigate to Donations

    • Go to Growfund > Donations
    • Click Create Donation Campaign

  2. Complete Donation Campaign Details

    • Enter campaign title and description
    • Upload featured image
    • Set target amount (optional)
    • Configure donation form options

  3. Publish the Campaign

    • Save and publish the donation campaign
    • Share the campaign link with donors

See Donations for detailed donation campaign creation.

Testing Your Setup​

Before going live, test your configuration:

  1. Test Payment Processing

    • Create a test campaign or donation
    • Make a test donation using test mode in payment gateways
    • Verify payment is processed correctly

  2. Test Email Notifications

    • Make a test donation
    • Verify email notifications are sent
    • Check email formatting and content

  3. Test User Registration

    • Create a test user account
    • Verify registration process works
    • Test email verification (if enabled)

  4. Test Campaign Creation

    • Create a test campaign
    • Verify all fields save correctly
    • Test campaign approval process (if enabled)

Next Steps​

After completing the initial setup:

  1. Learn About Features

  2. Customize Your Platform

  3. Set Up Advanced Features (Pro)

  4. Go Live

    • Switch payment gateways to live mode
    • Create your first public campaign
    • Share your fundraising platform with supporters

Common Setup Questions​

Q: Can I change the platform mode after setup? A: Yes, but switching modes may affect existing campaigns. It's recommended to choose your mode before creating campaigns.

Q: Do I need to configure all payment gateways? A: No, you only need to configure at least one payment gateway. However, offering multiple payment options can increase donations.

Q: What if I need help during setup? A: Refer to the Troubleshooting Guide for common issues, or contact Growfund support for assistance.

Q: Can I customize the look and feel? A: Yes, Pro users can customize branding, colors, and email templates. See Customization & Branding for details.

Note: Take your time during the initial setup. Proper configuration ensures a smooth experience for you and your donors.