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What are Momentum Lists?

Rachel Specht
Updated

A Momentum List is a list that you create and manage inside Momentum. Unlike CRM Lists, which are imported from your CRM, Momentum Lists are maintained manually within the Momentum application.

Overview

Momentum Lists are user-specific, meaning only the user who created the list can see and manage it. Other users can only see the list if they are viewing your account through assistant mode. They are not updated automatically and are managed in the Momentum app. You can add or remove donors from the list at any time. Momentum Lists are ideal for:

  • temporary outreach groups
  • prospect tracking
  • campaign working lists
  • personal donor organization
  • quick segmentation for outreach
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Create a Momentum List

You can create a list directly from the Lists section in Momentum.

Step-by-step

  1. Open the Lists tab.
  2. Click Create Momentum List.
  3. Name the list.
  4. Save the list.
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Once the list is created, you can begin by giving it a name and adding donors.

Adding Donors to a Momentum List

Donors can be added individually through a manual add or in bulk with their CRM IDs.

Method 1: Manual Add

To add donors individually, select the Search the CRM bar to lookup by name.

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Method 2: Import via Record IDs

To add donors in bulk, select the Import Constituents button and paste the individual donor IDs from your CRM as separate rows. This allows you to quickly import groups of donors from external reports or CRM exports.

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Once donors are added, click Select columns to customize the donor statistics that are shown from your list. 

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Using Momentum Lists

Once donors are added, you can use the list to create outreach and take bulk actions to help with preparing donor updates, Campaign communication, or prospect follow-up working lists, for example. 

Use the New Actions button to target the entire list with an email, draft a card or letter, or outline a call. Or choose to assign a full Cadence if the donor is part of a longer journey. Click here to learn more about creating new Actions. 

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To perform additional bulk actions, select the checkboxes of the specific donors, or choose to include all using the checkbox near the First Name column header. A menu will appear to move your chosen donors to a Segment, remove from your list, generate AI bios for each donor, or to create outreach (a new Action). 

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Lists can be updated at any time by adding or removing donors.

Momentum Lists vs Dynamic CRM Lists vs Segments

Momentum includes two types of lists: Momentum Lists and Dynamic CRM Lists. Understanding the difference helps determine when to use each one.

Feature Momentum List CRM List Momentum Segment
Created In Momentum CRM Momentum
Updates Automatically? No Yes - from CRM Typically manually updated - from CRM
Can use CRM Queries No Yes Depends
Personal Working Lists Yes No No
Supports Automations No Yes Yes
Use Cases
  • create a quick working group
  • track prospects manually
  • organize outreach for a specific project
  • build personal donor lists
  • segmentation should be managed in your CRM
  • the list should update automatically
  • the list powers automations
  • multiple team members need access
  • group donors by shared characteristics or journey stage
  • Used for strategy
  • Helps organize donors in your assigned portfolio

CRM Lists are best for data-driven segmentation, while Momentum Lists are best for working organization and outreach preparation.

Momentum Lists Best Practices

  1. Use Momentum Lists for temporary groups: Momentum Lists are ideal for short-term working groups rather than permanent segmentation.
  2. Use CRM Lists for automation: If a list will trigger workflows or cadences automatically, it should be created in your CRM and imported into Momentum.
  3. Use descriptive names like “VIP Gala Invitees – Fall 2026.”
  4. Review for duplicates or missing contact info before scheduling.
  5. Don’t use Lists for long-term strategy; that’s what Segments are for.
  6. Combine lists with outreach tools: Momentum Lists work well with
  • Group Outreach
  • Cadences
  • AI Donor Bios
  • Engagement Planner

These tools help turn donor organization into structured engagement activity.