Charleston-based Blackbaud is built upon the idea that a better world is a cloud-capable world. With a focus that ensures nonprofits have software solutions that cater to their specific needs, they are uniquely suited to solving complex business challenges for their service sector clients. They recently wrapped their 2019 bbcon conference – a premier tech conference for those driving social good – and are celebrating a record-breaking 3,000+ attendees welcomed at this year’s event.
Microsoft was featured as a presenting sponsor of Blackbaud's convention where the two companies announced their continued commitment to their collaboration. Together, they are working towards greater integration between Blackbaud’s software offerings and Microsoft’s Power Platform and Office 365.
“Microsoft and Blackbaud are deepening our integrations to unleash the power of data and drive digital transformation for social good organizations,” said Justin Spelhaug, general manager with Microsoft Philanthropies Tech for Social Impact. “Through our continued investment and innovation in connected platforms, we’re breaking down barriers to enable nonprofits to focus on what matters most – pursuing their mission and creating meaningful change in the world.”
In 2017, the two companies announced a collaborative effort to digitally transform the nonprofit space through their three-point commitment: “joint sector leadership initiatives that make innovation, research and best practices more accessible to nonprofits around the world; and a commitment to pursuing best-in-class nonprofit cloud solutions that bring together the best of both companies’ innovation.”
The partnership yielded a joint-investment in an Integrated Cloud Initiative for Nonprofits and a cooperatively-created software solution called Nonprofit Resource Management (NRM). Designed to help those in the social good business manage everything from material goods allotment, to workforce management, and financial capital distribution – NRM helps agencies oversee resource allocation and facilitates that information flow across core business practices.
“We’re in an unprecedented era of humanitarian need, and it’s becoming more costly and complex to respond due to global conflicts, natural disasters, and localized challenges," said Jay Odell, president and general manager, Blackbaud Nonprofits Solutions. "For nonprofits, particularly in the relief and aid space, the ability to effectively source, track distribute and measure the impact of physical goods is a critical part of delivering their mission."
The bbcon 2019 keynote address was provided by the Emmy Award-nominated actress and humanitarian Connie Britton who is best known for her roles in "Spin City”, “24”, and “The West Wing”. She is also a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador where she raises awareness about the UNDP’s work towards poverty eradication and women’s empowerment. The convention hosted over 300 expert-led sessions catering to a wide variety of roles and markets across the human service continuum – including arts and cultural organizations, caused-based nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, corporations and more.
Blackbaud was founded in 1981 and offers software and services to over 19,000 agencies across the world. They offer analytics solutions for modeling and prospect research, data enrichment services, direct marketing and performance analysis and benchmarking. They also provide financial management; fundraising and relationship management; grant and award management; marketing and engagement; organizational and program management; payment services; social responsibility (grant-making, peer-to-peer fundraising, etc) and other services.
