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MissionScope Docs

User Manual and Info

How to Use This Manual

This manual is designed for users who may be new to WordPress, website dashboards, plugins, shortcodes, and data management. It explains the MissionScope Lite screens in plain language and gives step-by-step instructions for setting up and using the plugin.

You do not need to be a developer to use MissionScope Lite. You should, however, have access to a WordPress administrator account or have a trusted website administrator install and activate the plugin for you.

What this manual covers

  • Installing and activating MissionScope Lite in WordPress.
  • Completing the Agency Profile so reports and dashboards carry the correct organization information.
  • Managing staff, volunteers, programs, sessions/events, grants, attendance, and service hours.
  • Using simple predefined reports
  • Creating public-facing event widgets and protected internal dashboard pages.
  • Importing and exporting data with CSV files.
  • Understanding local-first privacy and the future MissionScope Cloud upgrade path.

Important: MissionScope Lite does not process ticket sales or payments. Event widgets display event information, but payment collection can be inputted through an external form builder.

Quick Start Checklist

Use this checklist when setting up MissionScope Lite for the first time. A small organization can usually begin with the first seven steps and return to advanced settings later.

Step
Action
Where to Go
1
Install and activate plugin
Wordpress Dashboard > Plugins
2
Open MissionScope
MissionScope Menu
3
Complete organizational profile
Settings > Agency info
4
Confirm dashboard preferences
Settings > Dashboard settings
5
Add staff to organization
Staff > Add Staff
6
Add Programs
Program > Add Program
7
Add Volunteers
Volunteers > Add Volunteer
8
Create Sessions or events
Sessions/Events > Add Session
9
Enter Grants
Grants > Add Grant
10
Review dashboards and reports
Dashboard and Reports
11
Set event widgets if needed
Widgets & Shortvodes
12
Download backups or templates
Import/Export

What is MissionScope Lite

MissionScope Lite is a standalone WordPress plugin for mission-driven organizations. It helps you organize basic operational data such as programs, staff, volunteers, sessions/events, grants, attendance, volunteer hours, and simple reports. It is intended for nonprofits, churches, ministries, civic groups, community programs, and small organizations that need a structured way to track impact without adopting a complex enterprise system.

MissionScope Lite vs MissionScope Cloud

MissionScope Lite is the free/local version. MissionScope Cloud is the future SaaS platform. The Lite version is designed to work on its own, while keeping a data structure that can later support cloud connection or migration if the site administrator chooses to connect.

WordPress Basics

WordPress is the website platform where MissionScope Lite is installed. Think of WordPress as the building and MissionScope Lite as a specialized office inside the building where your organization stores program and impact information.

Key Terms

Dashboard – The private WordPress control area where administrators manage the website.
Plugin – An add-on that gives WordPress extra features. MissionScope Lite is a plugin.
Page – A public or private website page, such as /volunteers/ or /dashboard/.
Shortcode – A small bracketed code placed on a page to display plugin content. Example: [missionscope_event_list].
User role – A permission level that controls what a person can view or edit.
CSV file – A spreadsheet-style text file used for importing and exporting records.

Who should have access?

Only trusted staff or volunteers should have access to MissionScope records. Your website administrator should decide who may view dashboards, manage volunteers, create programs, manage grants, run reports, or export data.

Install MissionScope Lite

These instructions assume your organization already has a WordPress website. If you do not manage the website, send the plugin ZIP file and this section to your website administrator.

Before Installation

  • Confirm that you can log into WordPress with an Administrator account.
  • Save a backup of the website before installing new plugins.
  • Keep the plugin file as a ZIP file. Do not upload the unzipped folder unless your developer is installing it by FTP.
  • If your site uses caching or security plugins, be prepared to clear cache after installation.

 

Installation steps

  1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Go to Plugins > Add New Plugin.
  3. Click Upload Plugin.
  4. Choose the MissionScope Lite ZIP file.
  5. Click Install Now.
  6. After installation finishes, click Activate Plugin.
  7. Look for the MissionScope menu in the WordPress admin area.

If you do not see MissionScope after activation: refresh the dashboard, confirm the plugin is active under Plugins, and make sure your account has administrator permissions.

Agency Profile

The Agency Profile stores the identity of the organization using MissionScope Lite. This information may appear on dashboards, previews, reports, internal pages, and future public-facing templates.

Information to enter

Agency/Organization Name – The public name people recognize.
Legal Name – The official registered name, if different.
Agency Logo – Upload the logo used on dashboards and previews.
EIN / Tax ID – Optional: use only if your internal reporting requires it..
Primary Contact – Main staff contact for the organization.
Email/Phone/Website – General organization contact details.
Address – Organization mailing or office address.
Mission Statement – A short statement of what the organization does.
Vision/ Values – Optional guiding statements or core values.
Brand Colors – Primary, secondary, and accent colors used in previews and public widgets

Tips for non-technical users

  • Use a clear PNG or JPG version of the logo.
  • Keep mission and value statements concise so they display neatly in previews.
  • If you are unsure about colors, use your organization website or logo as a guide.
  • Avoid putting private information in the public-facing fields if your organization does not want it visible.

Dashboard Overview

The dashboard is the main overview screen. It helps users see the organization’s operational data at a glance. The dashboard typically displays summary cards for staff, volunteers, programs, events, grants, and reports, along with a chart or snapshot area.

What the dashboard is for

  • Confirm that records are being added correctly.
  • Quickly understand how many volunteers, staff, programs, events, and grants are in the system.
  • View high-level activity without opening each section.
  • Provide a starting place for team members who are not familiar with the plugin.

Dashboard cards

Dashboard cards show counts or totals such as total volunteers, active volunteers, total programs, active programs, total grants, total awarded, total attendance, or total service hours. If a card says 0, it may mean that no records have been entered yet or that the selected reporting period does not include records.

Reporting period

Some dashboard screens allow you to choose a reporting period such as This Month. This changes the way dashboard summaries are calculated. If the totals look lower than expected, check the reporting period before assuming records are missing.

Navigation and Create New Menu

MissionScope Lite includes a left-side navigation menu in the application-style dashboard. The menu is organized around the main areas of nonprofit operations: Dashboard, Volunteers, Staff, Programs, Sessions / Events, Grants, Reports, Import / Export, Settings, Upgrade to Cloud, and Agency Profile.

Create New menu

The Create New menu in the top area is a shortcut for adding new records. It may include actions such as Add Volunteer, Add Staff, Add Program, Add Session, or Add Grant. Use it when you already know what kind of record you want to create.

View, edit, and delete actions

Directory tables usually include action buttons such as View, Edit, or Delete. View opens a detail screen. Edit allows changes to the record. Delete removes the record or marks it for deletion, depending on how the plugin is configured. Use delete carefully, especially after importing data.

Staff Directory

The Staff Directory stores internal team members who support the organization’s programs, grants, sessions, volunteers, and reporting. Staff records are not the same as WordPress user accounts, though a staff record may be linked to a WordPress user account if access is needed.

Common staff fields

Name – Identifies the staff member.
Email and phone – Contact information.
Role / Job Title / Department – Helps filter staff by responsibility.
Employment Type – Optional field for full-time, part-time, contractor, volunteer staff, etc.
Start Date / End Date – Tracks service period.
Status – Usually Active or Inactive.
Supervisor – Identifies a staff supervisor when used.
Assigned Programs – Shows which program the staff member supports.
Access Level – Indicates general access category in MissionScope.

Recommended staff workflow

  1. Add leadership or program managers first.
  2. Add staff who will be connected to programs or sessions.
  3. Assign primary programs where appropriate.
  4. Use consistent department names to make filtering easier.
  5. Only link WordPress accounts for people who need to log in.

Volunteer Directory

The Volunteer Directory stores volunteer contact information, availability, skills, service roles, screening status, orientation status, program assignments, and service hours. This section is central for organizations that rely on volunteers for outreach, events, programs, and mission work.

Adding a volunteer

  1. Go to Volunteers > Add Volunteer or use the Create New menu.
  2. Enter the volunteer’s first and last name.
  3. Add email and phone if available.
  4. Enter address details only if needed for your organization’s records.
  5. Choose the volunteer status, such as Active or Pending.
  6. Add availability, skills, background check status, and orientation status.
  7. Save the volunteer record.

 

Volunteer status and screening

Status helps you know whether a volunteer is Active, Pending, Inactive, or another category. Screening and orientation fields help your team track whether a volunteer has completed required steps before serving.

Volunteer Hours

Status helps you know whether a volunteer is Active, Pending, Inactive, or another category. Screening and orientation fields help your team track whether a volunteer has completed required steps before serving.

Volunteer Clock and Service Hours

The Volunteer Clock records completed service time for volunteers and connects that time to a program or event/session. It can be used internally by managers or placed on an appropriate page as a public-facing volunteer kiosk, depending on
your setup.

How to log service hours

  1. Open Volunteer Clock.
  2. Select the volunteer.
  3. Choose either a program or an event/session.
  4. Enter the service date.
  5. Enter hours or clock in/out depending on the screen being used.
  6. Add notes if needed.
  7. Click Save Hours, Clock In, or the appropriate button.

Clock-In vs Manual Hours

Clock-in mode is useful when volunteers are actively starting a shift. Manual hour entry is useful when a manager is entering completed hours after an event. Both approaches should be used consistently so reports remain accurate.

Privacy reminder: The public volunteer clock widget may list active volunteer names on the page where it is used. Do not place it on a fully public page unless that is appropriate for your organization.

Programs Directory

Programs are the core services, ministries, initiatives, classes, outreach efforts, or community projects your organization manages. Most other records can connect back to programs, including sessions/events, volunteers, staff, grants, and reports.

Program Fields

Program Name – The official or internal program name.
Program Code/ Category – Optional identifiers for organizing programs.
Featured Program Image – Optional image for public or internal display.
Status – Active, Planning, Inactive, or other status.
Program Dates – Start and end dates for the program.
Location – Saved location or custom location.
Internal Description – Notes for staff.
Public Description – Description that may be used in public-facing areas.
Budget – Basic budget amount used in summaries.
ROMA / Output / Outcome Goals – Program planning and impact measurement fields
Notes – Internal record notes

Program best practices

  1. Create one program for each major service area, not for every individual event.
  2. Use categories consistently, such as Youth, Workforce, Wellness, Civic Engagement, Outreach, or Education.
  3. Use public descriptions when a program may appear on a website page.
  4. Connect grants to programs when funding supports that program.
  5. Review program status regularly so inactive programs do not confuse reports.

Session and Events Directory

MissionScope Lite uses Sessions / Events to track scheduled activities such as workshops, resource fairs, trainings, outreach events, fundraisers, classes, volunteer orientations, and community gatherings. Lite does not include ticket sales or payment collection.

Directory and calendar views

The Sessions / Events Directory may include both a list view and an interactive calendar view. The calendar helps users see scheduled events by month, week, day, or agenda. The directory table shows details such as date, time, type, program connections, staff, grants, attendance, capacity, registration status, check-in status, and actions.

Create an event/session

  1. Go to Sessions / Events > Add Session.
  2. Enter the event or session name.
  3. Choose the type, such as workshop, resource fair, training, fundraiser, cleanup, class, or information session.
  4. Set the status, date, start time, and end time.
  5. Add location or virtual meeting link if applicable.
  6. Connect the session to a program, staff member, grant, or assigned volunteers if needed.
  7. Enter capacity and expected attendance.
  8. Add a description and internal notes.
  9. Save the session.

 

Attendance

Attendance can be planned with expected attendance and updated with actual attendance. Attendance data supports event reporting, program activity reports, and impact snapshots.

Registrations and check-in

You can either insert a registration link, drop html code, or insert a shortcode form for the event registrations.

Grants Directory

The Grants Directory tracks grant funding, funders, managers, related programs/events, spending, deadlines, and reporting requirements. Lite includes basic grant tracking and grant status reporting. Full grant search and advanced grant reporting are reserved for MissionScope Cloud.

Grant summary cards

The Grants page may show cards such as Total Awarded, Total Spent, Remaining, Upcoming Reports, Total Requested, Total Grants, Active Grants, and Filtered Records. These cards summarize grant activity based on the records currently in MissionScope.

Grant Fields

Grant Name – Name of the award, opportunity, or fund.
Grant Code/ Type – Optional categorization such as foundation, government, corporate, or local
Funder – Organization providing the grant
Funder Contact – Contact name, email, phone, and website.
Status – Prospect, Submitted, in Review, Awarded, Declined, Closed, etc.
Amount Requested / Awarded / Spent – Basic financial tracking.
Start / End / Deadline – Grant period and application deadlines.
Report Due – Upcoming reporting responsibilities
Primary Program – Program connected to the grant.
Allowed Expenses / Restrictions – Notes on what funds may be used for.
Reporting Requirements – Instructions and requirements from the funder.

Simple Reports

MissionScope Lite includes simple predefined reports. It does not include a custom report builder. Reports are meant to help staff quickly review operational activity without designing a report from scratch.

Available report templates

Operations Snapshot – Counts of programs, events, volunteers, and grants.
Event Attendance – Scheduled events and planned versus recorded attendance.
Volunteer Service – Volunteer status and logged service hours.
Grant Status – Awards, spending, remaing balances, and report due dates.
Program Activity – Programs with associated event activity.

How to run a report

  1. Go to Reports/Simple Reports
  2. Choose the report template
  3. Select a start date and end date if the report uses date filters.
  4. Click View Report.
  5. Review the Current Report area

 

Reports are only as accurate as the records entered. If a report looks incomplete, check whether the related programs, sessions/events. grants, volunteers, and attendance records have been added and connected properly

Simple Reports

MissionScope Lite includes shortcode-based event widgets and page templates. These help you display selected information on WordPress pages or build protected application-style pages for authorized users.

What is a shortcode?

A shortcode is a small piece of text inside square brackets that tells WordPress to display something. For example, if you paste [missionscope_event_list] into a WordPress page, MissionScope can display an event list there.

Using a shortcode

  1. Create or edit a WordPress page.
  2. Add a Shortcode block, or paste the shortcode into the page content area.
  3. Paste the MissionScope shortcode exactly as shown.
  4. Preview the page.
  5. Publish or update the page when ready.

 

Frontend page connections

The Widgets & Shortcodes area can assign MissionScope application screens to WordPress pages. For example, you may assign the Dashboard screen to a page with the slug /dashboard/, Volunteers to /volunteers/, Programs to /programs/, and Import / Export to /import-export/. Saving page connections assigns the correct page template automatically.

Recommended setup: Create a regular public WordPress page with the URL slug event-detail and place [missionscope_event_detail] on it. Event list and calendar Learn More links can then open the selected event detail page.

Widget Colors

Public widget colors allow you to match event lists, calendars, event details, and volunteer clock screens to your organization’s brand. Choose colors with enough contrast so visitors can read buttons, dates, and text clearly.

Import and Export CSV Data

The Import / Export section lets you download official templates, import records from CSV files, and export current data. CSV files are useful when moving data from spreadsheets into MissionScope or when making a backup copy of records.

Import Process

  1. Download the correct template for the data type you want to import.
  2. Open the template in Excel, Google Sheets, or another spreadsheet program.
  3. Do not rename column headers.
  4. Fill in one row per record.
  5. Save or export the file as CSV.
  6. Go to Import / Export in MissionScope.
  7. Choose the matching data type.
  8. Upload the CSV file.
  9. Click Import CSV.
  10. Review the results and fix any errors if needed.

 

Important import rules

  • Use the official template for the table you are importing.
  • Do not rename column headers.
  • Dates should use YYYY-MM-DD format.
  • Times should use HH:MM format.
  • Money fields should use numbers only, such as 1500.00.
  • ID fields such as program_id should match existing MissionScope IDs.
  • Leave unknown ID fields blank.
  • If the primary match column is blank or does not match an existing record, MissionScope creates a new record

Exporting data

The Import / Export section lets you download official templates, import records from CSV files, and export current data. CSV files are useful when moving data from spreadsheets into MissionScope or when making a backup copy of records.

Setting and Notifications

MissionScope includes settings screens for organization information, dashboard preferences, notifications, and roles/permissions. Some settings are administrator-level settings, while some frontend My Settings preferences apply to the signed-in user.

Dashboard settings

Dashboard settings may include the default reporting period, default dashboard layout, theme mode, and items per page. These settings help users decide what they see first when opening MissionScope.

Notifications

Notification settings allow selected email addresses to receive operational updates. Depending on the setup, notifications may be available for program record changes, event record changes, volunteer record changes, grant record changes, volunteer assignment emails, event reminders, and grant deadline reminders.

Email note: MissionScope sends email through the WordPress mail configuration. If emails do not arrive, your website may need SMTP configuration or help from the hosting provider.

Roles and Permissions

Roles and permissions control who can view, add, edit, export, and manage MissionScope records. This is especially important when volunteers, staff, managers, and administrators need different levels of access.

Role

MissionScope Admin – Full MissionScope access, including the WordPress admin dashboard, settings, Agency Info, permissions, import/export, and all records..
MissionScope Manager – Operational access for programs, sessions/events, people, volunteers, grants, reports, locations, and CSV tools without Agency Info or settings access.
MissionScope Viewer – Limited access to view the dashboard, programs, sessions/events, and reports, plus add sessions/events.

Upgrade to MissionScope Cloud

The Upgrade to MissionScope Cloud page explains the future cloud platform and shows the current connection status. In Lite, the plugin is local-first. Programs, events, volunteers, grants, and reports remain in the WordPress database. MissionScope Lite does not transmit data to MissionScope Cloud.

Cloud connection status

The page may show Cloud connection status as Disconnected and display a local site identifier. This identifier helps prepare for a future connection or migration, but it does not mean your records are being sent to the cloud.

What cloud will add

  • Advanced dashboards and cloud reporting.
  • Team collaboration and cross-site data management.
  • Cloud backup.
  • Multi-site and multi-organization reporting.
  • Full grant reporting with search and templates.
  • AI-assisted reporting and automated impact narratives.
  • White-label reports for boards, funders, and partners.

Permission required: A future cloud connection must be started by a site administrator and must present the records and permissions to be shared before any synchronization begins.

Recommended Workflow

The best way to use MissionScope Lite is to enter information in a consistent order. This reduces confusion and helps reports work correctly.

  1. Setup – Complete Agency Profile, dashboard preferences, notification recipients, and user roles.
  2. People – Add staff first, then volunteers
  3. Programs – Add active programs and assign staff when possible
  4. Grants – Enter grants and connect them to programs
  5. Events – Create sessions/events and connect them to programs , staff, volunteers, and grants
  6. Service and attendance – Log volunteer hours and attendance after each event/session
  7. Reporting – Use Simple Reports monthly or quartetly
  8. Maintenance – Export data and review inactive records regularly

 

Monthly administrative routine

  1. Review new and changed records.
  2. Update event attendance and volunteer hours.
  3. Update grant spending and report due dates.
  4. Run an Operations Snapshot report.
  5. Export current data if your organization keeps monthly backup files.
  6. Review upcoming events and grant deadlines.

Troubleshooting

1. MissionScope menu does not appear

Confirm the plugin is activated and that your user account has the required capability.

 

2. Dashboard counts are zero

Confirm records were added and check the selected reporting period.

 

3. CSV import fails

Use the official template, keep column names unchanged, and save as CSV.

 

4. Dates do not import correctly

Use YYYY-MM-DD format.

 

5. Emails do not send

Check WordPress mail settings or install/configure SMTP through your website administrator.

 

6. Shortcode does not display

Make sure it was pasted exactly and placed in a Shortcode block or page content.

 

7. Event detail page does not open correctly

Confirm the event-detail page exists and contains the event detail shortcode.

 

8. A user cannot access a page

Check the user role/capabilities and whether the page is protected or assigned correctly.

 

9. Widget colors are hard to read

Choose colors with stronger contrast and restore defaults if needed.

 

10. Reports look incomplete

Check whether records are connected to programs, sessions/events, grants, volunteers, and
dates.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know WordPress to use MissionScope Lite?

You need basic WordPress access, but you do not need to be a designer or developer. This manual explains the main tasks. A website administrator should help with installation, backups, and advanced permissions.

Is MissionScope Lite free?

MissionScope Lite is intended as the standalone free/local plugin. MissionScope Cloud is the future paid SaaS platform for advanced features.

Does MissionScope Lite send my data to the cloud?

No. MissionScope Lite is local-first. Data remains in the WordPress database unless a future cloud connection is intentionally started by an administrator.

Can MissionScope Lite process donations, ticket sales, or payments?

No. Lite event widgets display event information and registration/contact records only. Payment collection and ticketing are not included.

Can I use MissionScope Lite without public pages?

Can I use MissionScope Lite without public pages?

What is the difference between Staff and VolunteWhat is the difference between Staff and Volunteers?ers?

Staff records represent internal team members or managers. Volunteer records represent people serving through programs or events. A person can be both in real life, but keep records consistent in MissionScope.

Can I export my data?

Yes. Use Import / Export to export CSV files for supported tables.

Can I import data from spreadsheets?

Yes, but use the official MissionScope CSV templates and keep column headers unchanged.

Can I customize reports?

Lite includes predefined reports. A custom report builder is reserved for MissionScope Cloud.

What should I do before deleting records?

Export current data and confirm the record is no longer needed. Delete actions can affect reports and connected records.

Support Policy

Free support includes bug reports and basic usage questions. Priority setup, customization, migration, and reporting assistance are available through paid services.

 

What to include in a support request

  • Your WordPress version and PHP version, if known.
  • MissionScope Lite plugin version.
  • The screen where the issue happened.
  • Steps you took before the issue occurred.
  • A screenshot if possible.
  • Whether the issue affects one user or all users.
  • Whether the issue happened after a plugin, theme, or WordPress update.

 

Paid support examples

  • Installing and configuring MissionScope Lite for a new organization.
  • Building page templates and protected frontend pages.
  • Cleaning spreadsheet data before CSV import.
  • Creating custom training for staff.
  • Preparing reports for a board meeting, funder, or internal review.
  • Planning a future migration from MissionScope Lite to MissionScope Cloud.