Guest vs. Logged-In Registration

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Donors can register for events either as a guest (no account required) or while logged in to the Donor Portal. The experience is slightly different in each case.

Guest Registration

  • No login required

  • Donor enters their name and email manually

  • WeGive matches the email to an existing supporter record if one exists; if not, a new supporter record is created

  • The registration is linked to the supporter record after the fact

Logged-In Registration

  • Donor is already authenticated via the Donor Portal

  • Name and email are pre-filled from their account

  • The registration is linked to their account automatically

  • Previous registrations and giving history are accessible in their portal

Which Should Donors Use?

Most donors will register as guests unless they actively manage their giving through the Donor Portal. There is no requirement to log in.

How Supporter Matching Works for Guests

WeGive matches guest registrants to existing supporter records by email address. If a match is found, the registration is attached to that supporter. If multiple records exist with the same email, the match goes to the most recently active record.

⚠ Things to Watch For

  • A guest registering with an email that belongs to an existing supporter does not create a duplicate — it attaches to the existing record.

  • A guest registering with a new email does create a new supporter record. Clean-up may be needed if the donor already exists under a different email.

  • Logged-in donors cannot register on behalf of other people (e.g., a spouse) using their account. Each registrant needs their own details captured via the registration form.

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