Getting Started
This guide walks you through creating your account, setting up your organization, and understanding the ImpactMEL interface for the first time.
Step 1 — Create Your Account
- Open your browser and go to app.impactmel.com
- Click Create an account
- Enter your first name, last name, email address, and a password
- Click Register
You will be automatically signed in and taken to the organization setup screen.
Sign in with Google
You can also click Continue with Google to register without a password. Your Google account email becomes your ImpactMEL login.
📸 Figure 2.1 — Registration Page
The registration form showing fields for First Name, Last Name, Email, and Password. A "Continue with Google" button appears above the form. The ImpactMEL logo is displayed at the top of the card.
File: user-manual/images/02-01-register.png
Step 2 — Set Up Your Organization
On your first login, a setup dialog appears asking you to create your organization.
- Enter your Organization Name (e.g., Save The Future Rwanda)
- Enter a short Organization Code (e.g., STF-RW) — this is used as a reference identifier
- Click Create Organization
Your account is now connected to your organization and you will be assigned the Org Admin role automatically.
📸 Figure 2.2 — Organization Setup Dialog
The organization setup modal overlaying the dashboard. It shows two input fields: "Organization Name" and "Organization Code", with a "Create Organization" button at the bottom. A brief explanation of what the code is used for appears below the code field.
File: user-manual/images/02-02-org-setup.png
Already have an organization?
If a colleague has already created your organization and invited you, do not create a new one. Accept the invitation email they sent you, which will link your account to the existing organization.
Step 3 — Explore the Interface
Once your organization is created, you land on the Dashboard. Here is a quick tour of the main interface elements:
📸 Figure 2.3 — Interface Overview (Annotated)
Full-screen view of the ImpactMEL dashboard with labeled callouts pointing to: (A) Top navigation bar with logo and user menu, (B) Left sidebar with main navigation links, (C) Main content area showing the dashboard, (D) Breadcrumb trail showing current location, (E) User avatar and organization switcher in the top-right corner.
File: user-manual/images/02-03-interface-overview.png
The Sidebar
The left sidebar is your main navigation. It contains:
| Item | What it does |
|---|---|
| Dashboard | Portfolio overview — all programs and projects at a glance |
| Programs | List and manage your programs |
| Projects | Quick access to all projects across programs |
| Indicators | Manage your indicator library |
| Data Collection | Build and deploy data entry forms |
| Reports | Create and share donor reports |
| Settings | Manage your organization, members, donors, and configuration |
The Top Bar
The top navigation bar shows:
- ImpactMEL logo (top-left) — click to return to the dashboard
- Breadcrumb trail — shows where you are in the application
- Search — global search across programs, projects, and indicators
- Notifications — alerts for pending approvals and upcoming deadlines
- User menu (top-right) — your profile, organization switcher, and logout
Step 4 — Invite Your Team
Before you start entering data, invite the team members who will be using the system.
- In the sidebar, click Settings
- Select the Members tab
- Click + Invite Member
- Enter their email address and select their role
- Click Send Invitation
They will receive an email with a link to accept the invitation and set up their account.
📸 Figure 2.4 — Invite Member Dialog
The invite member modal showing an email address field, a role selector dropdown (with options: Org Admin, M&E Officer, Reporter, Viewer), and a "Send Invitation" button. The current members table is visible behind the modal.
File: user-manual/images/02-04-invite-member.png
Roles explained
Not sure which role to assign? See the Roles & Permissions guide for a full breakdown of what each role can and cannot do.
Step 5 — Your Recommended Setup Order
Follow this sequence when setting up ImpactMEL for the first time:
- Add your donors → Settings → Donors & Funders
- Create your first Program → Programs → New Program
- Build your Results Framework → Program → Results Framework tab
- Create your Indicators → Indicators → New Indicator
- Create a Project under the program
- Link indicators to the project and set targets
- Set up Reporting Periods for the project
- Invite your team and assign roles
- Create a Data Collection Form (optional) if using field forms
- Start collecting data — reporters submit indicator values
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my email address? Yes — go to Settings → your profile (top-right menu) → Account Settings.
Can one person belong to multiple organizations? Yes. If you are invited to a second organization, you can switch between them using the organization switcher in the top-right user menu.
What happens if I forget my password? On the login page, click Forgot password and enter your email. You will receive a link to reset it within a few minutes.
Is my data backed up? Yes. ImpactMEL runs on managed infrastructure with automated daily backups and point-in-time recovery.