Before upgrading a non-profit client from version 2 of NPSP to version 3, what action should the consultant take?

Upgrading the Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP) involves ensuring that the organization’s current setup is compatible with the new features and functionalities in version 3. Upgrading the Recurring Donations package individually is a crucial step because this particular package contains specific enhancements and improvements essential for managing ongoing donations effectively.

By upgrading the Recurring Donations package, the consultant ensures that the organization can take advantage of the new capabilities directly related to recurring donations before proceeding with the overall upgrade to version 3. This approach minimizes potential disruptions in the donation management process, allowing the organization to continue its operations smoothly while adapting to the newest NPSP enhancements.

Furthermore, focusing on the Recurring Donations package first sets a solid foundation for subsequent upgrades. It ensures that any dependencies or required adjustments related to recurring donations are resolved ahead of the larger upgrade, which contributes to a more seamless transition overall.

In contrast, while actions like deleting deprecated fields or running the NPSP Health Check may be part of the preparation for an upgrade, they do not address the specific compatibility issues that may arise from the Recurring Donations package itself, which is why upgrading this package first is a priority.