Get the latest delivered to your inbox
Privacy Policy

Now Reading

Blackbaud Increases Philanthropic Focus as Nonprofits Face Difficult Times

Blackbaud Increases Philanthropic Focus as Nonprofits Face Difficult Times

Published 12-19-08

Submitted by Blackbaud

CHARLESTON, S.C. - December 19, 2008 - As nonprofits face an increased demand for services this year during uncertain economic times, Blackbaud, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLKB) increased its focus and resources for its corporate philanthropy program-both locally and around the world.

Blackbaud provides more than 22,000 nonprofits with software and services, enabling them to improve operational efficiency, build strong relationships, and raise more money to support their missions. The company formed a new team earlier this year focused exclusively on developing philanthropy programs and delivering on its corporate value "service to others makes the world a better place."

"Blackbaud's 2000 employees make positive changes around the world by collaborating with the nonprofit community not only in providing software and services but also in their philanthropic commitment to their local communities," said Marc Chardon, Blackbaud's chief executive officer. "We believe that there is much more to running a technology company than developing software, which is why the company places so much importance on being a good corporate citizen."

In 2008, Blackbaud and its employees participated in many philanthropic initiatives, including:

  • On Dec. 24, Blackbaud will announce its contribution to the Good Cheer Fund, the community outreach program created by the Post and Courier to help Charleston residents in need during the holidays. Over the past 16 years, Blackbaud's donations have totaled $400,000, with the company matching each dollar donated by employees.

  • On Dec. 16, Blackbaud employees donated over 7,741 toys for Toys-for-Tots worldwide.

  • On Dec. 10, a check for $25,000 was presented to Crisis Ministries-a homeless shelter and crisis service organization in Charleston. For over 16 years, Blackbaud has made an annual holiday charitable gift in honor of all employees' service to nonprofits both professionally and personally.

  • At Blackbaud's Conference for Nonprofits held Nov. 16-19, customers, employees, and guests assembled 1200 craft kits benefitting patients and their siblings at the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital.

  • Charleston magazine and Coastal Community Foundation selected Blackbaud as the winner of the 2008 Philanthropic Spirit category of their annual Giving Back Awards in September. The Giving Back Philanthropic Spirit award is given to a business that fosters charitable giving in a significant manner.

  • Employees located throughout the country collected 1,067,720 miles in June for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The miles will be used to help grant wishes, providing more than 20 airline tickets for children and families.

  • Team Blackbaud, a grassroots employee-led volunteer group formed in 1998 which conducts quarterly philanthropic campaigns, was expanded globally this year to include all of Blackbaud's offices worldwide and to focus on the company's global philanthropic and volunteerism initiatives.
"I am exceptionally proud of what Blackbaud does as a corporate citizen," said Rachel Hutchisson, director of Blackbaud's new philanthropy team. "Blackbaud serves as a catalyst for individual employees to give back, and giving back has been fundamental to Blackbaud since the company was founded in 1981."

In addition to Blackbaud's 2008 initiatives, there are additional programs developed to support and encourage employees to give back:

  • 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.

  • Community Grants "“ established to make a positive impact in the community, Blackbaud makes grants, through the Blackbaud Fund at the Coastal Community Foundation, to organizations in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where it is headquartered, focusing on education for disadvantaged youth. Led by employees, the grants committee determines how the funding is distributed. Service on this committee is considered to be an honor.

  • Employee Volunteer Impact Grants "“ a program launched in January that encourages employees to apply for a "Reward Your Passion" grant on behalf of nonprofits where they volunteer. In 2008 more than 30 grants have been awarded based on employees' dedication and commitment to organizations they serve.
For more information, 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 22,000 organizations - including University of Arizona Foundation, American Red Cross, Cancer Research UK, The Taft School, Lincoln Center, InTouch Ministries, Tulsa Community Foundation, Ursinus College, Earthjustice, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and the WGBH Educational Foundation - use one or more Blackbaud products and services for fundraising, constituent relationship management, financial management, website management, direct marketing, education administration, ticketing, business intelligence, 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.


Forward-looking Statements

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks related to our dividend policy and share repurchase program, including potential limitations on our ability to grow and the possibility that we might discontinue payment of dividends; risks relating to restrictions imposed by the credit facility; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

Blackbaud logo

Blackbaud

Blackbaud

More from Blackbaud

Join today and get the latest delivered to your inbox