10. How to Use Filters on the Wishes App (Desktop)

Welcome to the Wishes App! This guide will help you navigate the filtration process on your desktop, allowing you to efficiently find and support the stories that matter most to you. Follow the steps below to utilize filters effectively and enhance your browsing experience.

Browsing and Filtering Stories as a Donor

As a donor, using filters can significantly streamline your search for stories that align with your interests and preferences. This guide outlines the various filtering options available and how to use them to find the perfect stories to support.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Filters

Step 1: Log In to the Wishes App on Desktop

• Action: Launch the Wishes App on your desktop.
• Details: Upon opening, you will be directed to the home page displaying various stories and fundraising campaigns.

Step 2: Navigate to "Browse Stories"

• Action: Click on the "Browse Stories" option in the main menu.
• Details: This will take you to the stories browsing interface where you can explore and search for stories to donate to.

Step 3: Access the Filters Panel

• Action: Locate the "Filters" panel on the left side of the page.
• Details: The Filters panel provides various options to narrow down your search based on specific criteria.

Step 4: Utilize the Available Filters

You can filter stories using the following options:

1. Tags

Tags help categorize stories based on their nature and the assistance they require. You can use multiple tags to refine your search.

• Action: In the Filters panel, find the "Tags" section.
  
  
• Examples of Tags:
  
  
  • Emergency
  • Memorial
  • Medical
  • Housing
  • School
  • Animals
  • Business
  • Faith
  • Family
  • Home
  • Arts
  • Sport
  • Nonprofit
  • Volunteer
• How to Use Tags:
  
  
  • Select Tags:
    • Click on the "Select Tag" button.
    • Choose from the list of predefined tags by clicking on the desired ones.
    • Note: You can select multiple tags to broaden or narrow your search.
  • Search for Tags:
    • Use the "Search Tags" field to quickly find specific tags.
    • Type keywords related to the assistance you need, and matching tags will appear instantly.
• Applying Tags:
  
  
  • After selecting the desired tags, click "Apply Tags" to filter the stories accordingly.
  • Result: Only stories that match all the selected tags will be displayed.

2. Geo-Location

Filtering by geo-location allows you to find stories that are geographically close to you, enhancing the relevance and impact of your donations.

• Action: In the Filters panel, find the "Geo-Location" section.
  
  
• Options:
  
  
  1. Show Nearby First: Prioritize stories that are closest to your current location.
  2. Only Favorite: Display only the stories you have marked as favorites.
• How to Use Geo-Location:
  
  
  1. Show Nearby First:
     • Action: Click the "Show Nearby First" button.
     • Details: The app will prompt you to allow location access. Grant permission to enable this filter.
     • Result: Stories are sorted by proximity, with the nearest ones appearing at the top.
     • Combination: You can use tags and sub-categories in conjunction with this filter, but "Only Favorite" cannot be used simultaneously.
  2. Only Favorite:
     • Action: Click the "Only Favorite" button.
     • Details: This will display only the stories you have previously marked as favorites.
     • Result: The list will show exclusively your favorite stories.
     • Restriction: When using "Only Favorite", you cannot apply any other filters such as tags, geo-location, or sub-categories.

3. Sub-Categories

Sub-categories allow you to drill down into specific areas within broader categories, making your search more precise.

• Action: In the Filters panel, find the "Sub-Categories" section.
  
  
• Available Categories and Sub-Categories:
  
  
  1. Health
     • Insurance
     • Health
     • Memorial
  2. Emergency
     • Hotel
     • Airfare
     • General Merchandise
     • Animals/Vet
  3. Life Essentials
     • Restaurant
     • Gasoline
     • Home Improvement
     • Kids Toys
     • Education
     • Groceries
  4. Services
     • Internet
     • Shipping
     • Rideshare
     • Business
     • Charity
• How to Use Sub-Categories:
  
  
  1. Select a Sub-Category:
     • Click on the "Select Sub-Category" button.
     • Choose one sub-category from the list by clicking on it.
     • Note: You can only select one sub-category at a time.
  2. Applying Sub-Category:
     • After selecting the desired sub-category, click "Apply Sub-Category" to filter the stories.
     • Result: Only stories that match the selected sub-category will be displayed.

Step 5: Combine Filters for Enhanced Search

You can combine tags and sub-categories with geo-location to refine your search further. However, remember that "Only Favorite" cannot be used in combination with any other filters.

• Example:
  
  
  • Tags: Emergency, Medical
  • Sub-Category: Health
  • Geo-Location: Show Nearby First
• Result: Stories tagged with both Emergency and Medical, falling under the Health sub-category, and located near you will be displayed.
  
  

Step 6: Review Filtered Stories

• Action: After applying your desired filters, review the list of stories that match your criteria.
• Details: The stories will be displayed in order based on the filters applied, making it easier to find the ones you wish to support.

Step 7: Reset or Clear Filters

• Action: To start a new search or remove all applied filters, click the "Clear All Filters" button.
• Details: This will reset all filters, displaying the full list of available stories for browsing.

Troubleshooting Filtering Issues

Encountering problems while using filters? Here are some common issues and their solutions:

• Tags Not Filtering Correctly:
  
  
  • Description: Selected tags do not narrow down the stories as expected.
  • Solution:
    • Ensure you have selected all the desired tags.
    • Remember that the app displays stories that match all selected tags.
    • Try removing some tags to broaden your search.
• Geo-Location Filter Not Working:
  
  
  • Description: Unable to enable or use the geo-location filter.
  • Solution:
    • Ensure that your desktop has location services enabled.
    • Check if the app has the necessary permissions to access your location.
    • Refresh the page and try enabling the filter again.
    • If the problem persists, restart your desktop or browser.
• Unable to Select a Sub-Category:
  
  
  • Description: The sub-category selection is unresponsive or not saving.
  • Solution:
    • Ensure you are only selecting one sub-category.
    • Refresh the page and attempt to select the sub-category again.
    • Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then try again.
    • If the issue continues, contact support for assistance.
• Filters Not Resetting Properly:
  
  
  • Description: After clicking "Clear All Filters," some filters remain active.
  • Solution:
    • Manually deselect any remaining active filters.
    • Refresh the page to ensure all filters are cleared.
    • Try using the "Clear All Filters" button again.
• No Stories Displayed After Applying Filters:
  
  
  • Description: After applying filters, no stories are visible.
  • Solution:
    • Double-check your selected filters to ensure they are not too restrictive.
    • Remove some filters to broaden the search results.
    • Verify that there are active stories matching your criteria.
    • If you believe there should be matching stories, contact support for help.

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions or need help while using the filtration process, please contact our support team at support@wishes.com. We're here to help you get started on your fundraising journey with Wishes!

Tips for Effective Filtering

1. Use Multiple Tags: Combining several relevant tags can help you find more specific stories that align with your interests.
2. Leverage Geo-Location: Enabling the "Show Nearby First" filter can help you support local causes and see the impact of your donations within your community.
3. Utilize Sub-Categories: Selecting a sub-category allows for a more focused search, ensuring you find stories that precisely match your preferences.
4. Mark Favorites: Use the "Only Favorite" filter to quickly access stories you are passionate about without the need for additional filters.
5. Combine Filters Wisely: While combining tags and sub-categories with geo-location enhances your search, avoid using "Only Favorite" with other filters to maintain the functionality.
6. Regularly Update Filters: Adjust your filters based on your current interests to discover new and relevant stories.
7. Explore Different Categories: Don't hesitate to explore various categories and sub-categories to support a wide range of causes.

Next Steps: Making a Donation

After effectively filtering and finding a story you wish to support, follow these steps to make a donation:

1. Select the Story: Click on the story to open its detailed view.
2. Choose Donation Amount: Enter the amount you wish to donate.
3. Select Payment Method: Choose your preferred payment option.
4. Confirm Donation: Review your donation details and confirm the transaction.
5. Receive Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation message once your donation is successful.
6. Track Your Donations: Monitor the impact of your contributions through updates provided by the story creator.