This holiday season, as many people are digging deeper into their pockets for charitable contributions, Blackbaud remains committed to the nonprofit community. On top of its year-long focus on philanthropy, Blackbaud, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLKB), the leading global provider of software and services for nonprofits, recently gathered 6,300 donated toys from its employees worldwide in support of Toys for Tots.

In addition, on Christmas Eve, 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 17 years, Blackbaud's donations have totaled more than $455,000, with the company matching each dollar donated by employees.

On Dec. 10, a check for $20,000 was presented to Crisis Ministries by Andrew Mosawi, Blackbaud's vice president of international business development and a Crisis Ministries board member. Crisis Ministries is a homeless shelter and crisis service organization in Charleston, SC. For over 17 years, Blackbaud has made an annual holiday charitable gift in honor of all employees' service to nonprofits-both professionally and personally.

"We are thrilled by Blackbaud's continued support of Crisis Ministries and honored that they have embraced our mission to end homelessness one person at a time, one family at a time so completely," said Stacey Denaux, executive director of Crisis Ministries. "Blackbaud team members serve meals in the Soup Kitchen, provide leadership through our Board of Directors and provide significant financial support. This type of partnership is extraordinary and makes a difference in the lives of over 1,600 homeless men, women and children each year."

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 also strives to make a difference in the world both as a good corporate citizen and as a catalyst for individual employees to give back through innovative volunteerism programs.

"Since Blackbaud was founded in 1981, the company has maintained a strong focus on philanthropy and giving back in support of the nonprofit organizations we partner with each day," said Marc Chardon, Blackbaud’s chief executive officer. "Blackbaud employees have embraced the responsibility of making the world a better place and find giving back a rewarding experience-both on a professional and personal level through volunteer service."

Along with the January launch of the "Service to Others" blog dedicated to corporate philanthropy initiatives, each month presented the following opportunities for employees to participate in philanthropic outreach:

• The Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits, held Nov. 15 to 18 in Charleston, S.C., directed approximately $200,000 worth of expenses to nonprofits and included service projects throughout the event. Expenses, including event rental space, furniture, entertainment, and costs associated with securing speakers, went back to nonprofit organizations. Archived recordings of sessions can be accessed for free at www.blackbaud.com/bbcontv.

 

 

• The fourth quarter initiative encouraged employees to think globally. Employees participated in educational sessions to learn about the international efforts of both the American Red Cross and Water Missions International, a Charleston-based nonprofit committed to providing safe water around the globe.

 

 

• As part of the Trident United Way 2009 Day of Caring on Sept. 11 in honor of the National Day of Service and Remembrance, more than 150 Blackbaud employees volunteered to work on projects that benefited the Charleston community at 13 different nonprofits. For video of the volunteer projects visit the official Blackbaud YouTube Channel.

 

 

• During the third quarter initiative with the theme of "sports and fitness," employees gathered sports equipment for Louie's Kids, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to help treat childhood obesity.

 

 

• In April, Blackbaud employee volunteers participated in the Lowcountry Food Bank's Backpack Buddies program. Over three days, volunteers gathered in the company's atrium and packed 400 backpacks with food supplies for area children.

 

 

• Throughout the year, Blackbaud employees from the United States, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have been applying to the "Reward Your Passion" grant program on behalf of the nonprofits where they volunteer. Team Blackbaud Global, a committee of employees representing Blackbaud’s global offices, reviewed the applications and selected 55 winning employees and recipient organizations.

 

 

• Team Blackbaud and Greenbaud, both employee-led volunteer groups, teamed up to promote a second quarter focus on the environment. In April, the groups held "Blackbaud Green Week," which included educational opportunities, a recycling drive, and a Green Fair to promote local sustainable businesses and organizations as well as green practices and products. Greenbaud also completed two Adopt-A-Beach cleanups on Isle of Palms in South Carolina.

 

 

• In March, the Blackbaud Fund committee met in partnership with the Coastal Community Foundation to determine the Charleston-area charities that will receive community grants. Made up of Blackbaud employees from across the company, the grants committee determines how the funding is distributed.

 

 

• From Feb. 8 to 14, Blackbaud employees participated in the "52 Weeks of Thanks" created by the Daniel Island Community Association in Charleston, S.C. During that week, employees donated meals and snacks to first responders serving at the Daniel Island fire station.

 

 

• In Blackbaud's quarter one initiative, "Out of poverty," employees participated in sessions with Goodwill and the Lowcountry Food Bank to learn how they can assist by donating food, clothing and household goods.

 

For more information on Blackbaud’s philanthropy efforts and to read the "Service to Others" blog, 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, In Touch 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 Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.

Blackbaud

Blackbaud

More from Blackbaud