Data Sets

A Data Set is a reusable query definition that supplies data to reports and dashboard widgets. Data Sets are the bridge between DonorPoint’s database and its reporting layer.

How Data Sets Work

Each Data Set contains a query template that is evaluated at runtime. The query can reference report parameters via EL expressions, so the same Data Set can return different results depending on context — for example, filtered to a specific contact, campaign, or date range.

Data Sets produce Output Columns — the named fields available for display, filtering, and aggregation in any report that uses the Data Set.

Creating a Data Set

1. Navigate to Insights → Data Sets (requires admin role)
2. Click Create
3. Enter a Name and Description
4. Write the Query — this is a SQL query template
5. Save — output columns are automatically detected from the query

Query Syntax

Data Set queries use standard SQL with EL expression placeholders for dynamic values:

• Column aliases become output column names
• Parameters from the parent report are available via #{param.parameterName}
• The current account is available for multi-tenant filtering

Output Columns

After saving a Data Set, its output columns appear in the Output Columns list. Each column has:

Sharing Data Sets

Data Sets are account-level records. A single Data Set can be referenced by multiple reports and dashboard widgets, ensuring consistent data definitions. Changes to a Data Set automatically propagate to all reports that use it.

Data Sets and External BI Tools

Data Sets define the queries that power DonorPoint’s internal reporting. For organizations that need to connect external BI tools (Tableau, Power BI, Looker), the same query patterns can inform custom database views or API integrations built through the DonorPoint REST API.

The REST API exposes report data at /api/v2/reports/{id}/results, allowing external tools to pull report results programmatically.