4.25.2008 - 09:33am ET

Blackbaud employees volunteering with Habitat for Humanity

(CSRwire) CHARLESTON, SC - April 25, 2008 - In recognition of National Volunteer Week, Blackbaud, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLKB), is hosting volunteer fairs and events at its Charleston and Indianapolis offices. National Volunteer Week was created in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order to establish the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. A service of the Points of Light & Hands On Network, the 2008 National Volunteer Week will be held from April 27 to May 3.

Blackbaud recently formed a new team focused exclusively on philanthropy programs, which is being led by Rachel Hutchisson, director of corporate relations and philanthropy. "We truly believe that service to others makes the world a better place," she said. "In honor of National Volunteer Week and with an aim of extending our spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism, we are encouraging nonprofit organizations in our local communities to reach out to Blackbaud employees around the country."

On May 1, at its world headquarters in Charleston, S.C., Blackbaud will host 30 local nonprofit organizations for a volunteer fair. Indianapolis-based eTapestry, a Blackbaud company, will host an informational session on May 1 during which local nonprofits will make presentations about their organizations. The events will provide a forum for organizations to share volunteer opportunities and educate the community about their missions and their needs.

Blackbaud's National Volunteer Week activities are just part of its overall programs that are designed to encourage employee volunteerism. Earlier this month, the company awarded 20 grants through its “Reward Your Passion" fund. Employees are encouraged to apply for a grant from the fund on behalf of a nonprofit organization that they volunteer with. The grants are then awarded based on the employee’s dedication to the organization.

"I am incredibly thrilled and moved to be honored by Blackbaud on behalf of the volunteer work that I do for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation," said Caroline Benton, Blackbaud customer support analyst and Reward Your Passion grant recipient. "CFF's motto is 'Money buys Science, and Science buys Life.' This gift will directly improve my 5-year-old's life expectancy and quality of life, and it will also benefit the 30,000 other Americans with this devastating disease."

In addition to a dedicated corporate team, a grassroots employee-led volunteer core named Team Blackbaud has been in existence since 1998. The Team, which conducts quarterly philanthropic campaigns, was recently expanded globally to include all of Blackbaud's worldwide offices, including a special group for remote employees.

"It is so refreshing to know that I am not only on the same page with my colleagues in the office when it comes to partnering with nonprofits for their technology needs, but also in making a difference personally by working together on our quarterly initiatives and giving back to the community," said Jennifer Conway, Blackbaud's customer care lead and chairperson of Team Blackbaud Charleston. "I am so proud to know so many active Blackbaud employees who give their time and energy to help so many wonderful causes."

One of the company's most popular and innovative programs is Volunteer for Vacation, which allows employees to earn additional vacation days by volunteering with local nonprofits. Additionally, many employees participate in United Way's Day of Caring, taking a company-sponsored day off of work to volunteer with a nonprofit and make a difference in the community.

For more information on Blackbaud's philanthropic efforts, visit www.blackbaud.com/philanthropy.

About Blackbaud

Blackbaud is the leading global provider of software and services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, enabling them to improve operational efficiency, build strong relationships, and raise more money to support their missions. Approximately 19,000 organizations - including the American Red Cross, Dartmouth College, the WGBH Educational Foundation, Episcopal High School, Lincoln Center, Cancer Research UK, Special Olympics, and Arthritis Foundation - use one or more of Blackbaud products and services for fundraising, constituent relationship management, financial management, direct marketing, school administration, ticketing, business intelligence, website management, prospect research, consulting, and analytics. Since 1981, Blackbaud's sole focus and expertise has been partnering with nonprofits and providing them the solutions they need to make a difference in their local communities and worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, Blackbaud also has operations in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.

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