Getting Started for Admins
Set up SupporterBase for your organisation, from accounts to security
This guide walks you through the key setup steps as an Admin. Follow these in order to get your organisation up and running.
Before you begin
You'll need Admin access to SupporterBase. If you don't have it yet, ask your organisation's existing Admin to invite you.
Configure your organisation settings
Your organisation settings control how data syncs, how emails are sent, and how your instance looks to supporters.
Review general settings
Go to Settings > Configurations and check:
- Organisation name, logo, and default time zone
- Communication preferences (SMS/email defaults)
Connect NationBuilder
If you use NationBuilder, confirm your site slug, broadcaster ID, and default/exclude tags are correct. See NationBuilder configurations for details.
Verify sender addresses
Under Account emails, confirm the sender addresses your supporters will see. Under Mailers, check that your email and SMS providers are linked.
Full settings reference: Configurations
Set up roles and access
SupporterBase has three roles. Assign them based on trust and responsibility:
| Role | Can do | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Admin | Full access: settings, all groups, all data | Organisation staff |
| Captain | Manage their group: events, comms, supporters | Trusted volunteer leaders |
| Vice-Captain | Draft events and comms (require approval) | New or developing leaders |
Tip
Start small. Give one or two trusted organisers Captain access first, then expand as they get comfortable.
Full reference: Access Levels
Import supporter data
Clean data means your SMS, email, and call lists actually reach people.
Import supporters
Add supporters via Supporters > Import or sync from NationBuilder using the master supporterbase tag.
Validate the data
Check for:
- Mobile numbers stored in the mobile field (not home/work, or SMS won't work)
- Valid email addresses
- Duplicates and unsubscribed contacts
Test before launching
Send a test SMS and email to yourself or a small group to confirm everything is flowing correctly.
How-to guide: Add new supporters
Create your first group
Groups are how supporters connect locally. Each group has its own events, communications, and public page.
Create a group and assign leaders
Go to Supporter Groups > Create and assign a Captain and optionally Vice-Captains.
Customise the group page
Add a description, set visibility, and configure approval settings.
Tip
Pilot with one test group first. Gather feedback from your Captain before rolling out more groups.
Tutorial: Create your first group
Enable two-factor authentication
Your account contains sensitive supporter data. Secure it.
Go to Settings > Configurations and set the 2FA mode to Required. This enforces 2FA for all users.
If you leave the global setting as Optional, at minimum ensure all Admins have it enabled.
How-to guide: Set up 2FA
Test your setup
Before inviting your team, run through the basics yourself:
- Create a test event in your pilot group
- Send a test email and SMS blast
- Try a 1:1 message from a supporter's profile
- Check the inbox for replies
This catches issues early and gives you confidence when onboarding Captains.