Downgrade Instructions and FAQ
NGP VAN makes it easy to shut down or downgrade your NGP VAN, Mobilize, or ActionKit accounts in the event you lose your election or no longer need communication and outreach tools.
There are 2 steps to shutting down or downgrading your account:
- Shut down or downgrade your NGP VAN account.
- Shut down your merchant credit card processing account.
Instructions for both are listed on this page. Before proceeding, we recommend answering the following questions related to your compliance filing requirements, email needs, or access to contribution data:
- Will you need to file any upcoming FEC, state, or local compliance reports using NGP? On which date(s)?
- Will you need to continue your email program post-election for any purpose?
- Do you anticipate needing to make occasional compliance filings on an ongoing basis?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, rather than shutting your account down completely, a downgrade may be the best option for you.
Remember: Each state has different campaign finance reporting guidelines campaigns are expected to follow, regardless of election results. Please be mindful of this when considering when to shut down your database. If you’re using NGP to file reports, you’ll want to make sure the shutdown date requested occurs after the date of your last required filing.
Q: What is the difference between shutting down and downgrading?
Shutting down your account will close the account and your data will no longer be available to use. That means you will not have access to supporter contact information, donation information, be able to file compliance reports or send emails.
Downgrading your account allows you to turn off some services while keeping others open. For instance, you might not be holding as many events in the off-year, but you still need the ability to run compliance reports and email your supporters.
To shutdown or downgrade your account, please fill out the form below in its entirety. The request will be processed within 2-3 days of form submission.
Q: How do I shut down or downgrade my NGP VAN Account?
Fill out the form below in its entirety.
Q: How do I close out my merchant account?
As soon as your cancellation is officially processed by NGP VAN, our merchant services provider will be notified. At that point, you must contact Paragon for further directions on closing your merchant account. It is very important that you follow their directions and officially close the merchant account. Clients who don’t fully shut down their accounts will incur fees for inactivity. For detailed instructions please reach out to: Paragon/Paya Customer Care 800.884.5208 opt 1 or email customercare@paragonsolutions.com.
Q: What happens to my data?
If you choose to shut down your NGP database, we will archive your data exactly the way you left it.
Q: How can I get a copy of my data once the account is shut down?
If you’re not planning to run again, do not have any additional federal, state, or local reporting requirements, and would like a copy of your data, please indicate so in the feedback field. We will send you an archived copy of your data.
Please note that this is a busy time of year for NGP VAN - you will receive a copy of your data within 3-6 weeks of your cancellation date.
Q: What happens if I need to reopen my database for additional reporting?
NGP VAN stores your database exactly as you left it on our servers and your account can be re-opened at any time. We can provide a temporary database reopens for filing purposes. Temporary reopens provide access to fundraising and compliance tools only; email and online form capabilities are not available under a temporary reopen.
Temporary reopens are available to former customers with no outstanding balance at the cost of $300 per week or $600 per month.
To request a temporary reopen, email accounting@ngpvan.com call our sales team at 202-686-9330 and indicate if you need a 1 week or 1 month reopen.
Q: What happens if I decide to run again?
NGP VAN stores your database exactly as you left it on our servers and your account can be re-opened at any time. Please contact your Account Executive for current pricing information. If you’re not sure who your account executive is, please contact our sales team at 202-686-9330.
Q: Will I receive proof of downgrade?
You will receive an email confirming your downgrade request has been submitted. For shut down or downgrade requests to be approved, your account must have fulfilled its contract terms and be paid in full. When the account has an outstanding balance, an account executive will reach out with additional information prior to shutdown or downgrade.
Q: I need to pay my final bill. How do I do this?
You can request your final payable amount via email or phone:
- Via email: Obtain the final invoice via email by emailing accounting@ngpvan.com.
- Via Phone: Call 202-686-9330 Ext 3.
Once you’ve obtained your final invoice, you can pay via check or credit card. If you received your invoice via email, click the credit card option. If you’re mailing a check, please mail it to:
NGP VAN
PO BOX 392264
Pittsburgh, PA 15251-9264