Templates
PatronSend uses templates for both PDF documents and email delivery.
Document Templates
Document templates control the layout and design of your tax receipts. Custom templates are optional - PatronSend includes a compliant system template that works out of the box.
System Template
When no custom template is configured, PatronSend uses the built-in system template. This template:
- Includes all required fields for your market (CRA for Canada, ATO for Australia)
- Is pre-validated for tax authority compliance
- Works immediately without any configuration
- Uses the brand colours and logo you upload in Organization Settings
Custom templates are only needed if you want more control to match your organization's branding.
Creating a Custom Template
- Go to Templates > Document Templates
- Click New Template
- Enter a name
- Use the visual editor to design your layout
Template Editor
The drag-and-drop editor lets you:
- Upload your base PDF design (your branded letterhead)
- Position required fields on top of your design
- Add custom text and formatting
- Preview with sample data
Required Fields (Canada)
The CRA requires these fields on all tax receipts:
- Organization name and address
- CRA registration number
- Receipt number
- Donor name and address
- Gift date and amount
- Eligible amount
- Issue date
- Authorized signature
The template validator will warn you if any required fields are missing.
Some required fields are not automatically validated because you may choose to include them as static text in your base PDF design rather than as dynamic fields. These include:
- Organization name and address
- CRA registration number
- Location where receipt was issued
- Authorized signature name and title
If these are pre-printed on your base PDF, you don't need to add them as dynamic fields. Make sure your final receipt includes all required information.
Template Resolution
PatronSend determines which template to use in this order:
- Fund rule template - If a fund rule specifies a template, it's used
- Organization default - Your default custom template for the receipt type
- System template - The built-in compliant template
Setting a Default
If you have multiple custom templates, you can set one as the default:
- Go to Templates > Document Templates
- Click the menu on your template
- Select Set as Default
The default template is used when no fund rule specifies a different template.
Email Templates
Email templates control the message sent with receipts.
Template Options
- PatronSend Simple Template - Use our built-in template
- DotDigital Campaign - Use your own DotDigital triggered campaign
PatronSend Simple Templates
Create and customize email templates:
- Go to Templates > Email Templates
- Click Create Template
- Enter subject line and body content
- Use variables for personalization
Available Variables
| Variable | Description |
|---|---|
{{donor_first_name}} | Donor's first name |
{{donor_last_name}} | Donor's last name |
{{gift_amount}} | Formatted donation amount |
{{gift_date}} | Date of donation |
{{receipt_number}} | Receipt number |
{{organization_name}} | Your organization name |
DotDigital Campaigns
Use your own DotDigital triggered campaigns for full design control:
- Create a triggered campaign in DotDigital
- In PatronSend, create a new email template
- Select DotDigital Campaign as the type
- Choose your campaign from the dropdown
See DotDigital Integration for variable syntax.