Blackbaud Celebrates GivingTuesday by Ringing Closing Bell at Nasdaq, Highlighting Social Impact Efforts
Blackbaud, a premier software provider dedicated to social impact, recently marked the beginning of the holiday giving season by ringing the closing bell at Nasdaq. This event, which occurred on December 2, 2024, is particularly significant as it kicks off GivingTuesday—a global movement that aims to spread awareness and encourage charitable giving every year after Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
According to Catherine LaCour, Blackbaud's chief marketing officer, this period is vital for many nonprofit organizations, which often receive around 20% of their annual donations in the month of December. LaCour emphasizes that the generosity displayed during this season is more critical than ever, as it enables vital organizations, ranging from nonprofits and foundations to schools and universities, to make a meaningful impact throughout the year.
During the Nasdaq event, Blackbaud presented various customers who exemplify how technology can drive social impact. For example, the Apollo Theater Foundation is celebrating its 90th anniversary as a cornerstone of American culture. This Harlem-based nonprofit is committed to promoting Black culture through vibrant performing arts. With the support of Blackbaud’s Raiser's Edge NXT, the Apollo is working to raise funds for its educational and community programs. In addition, they are preparing for a historic renovation of their theater that illustrates their ongoing dedication to preserving their rich legacy.
Similarly, the Burger King Foundation is using Blackbaud's solutions to enhance educational access for students. They raised a remarkable $8.2 million in 2023, supporting scholarships and emergency relief efforts for employees. Their BK Scholars program has now awarded nearly $60 million in total to deserving students across North America.
Porter-Gaud School, a leading independent school in the southeastern U.S., is leveraging Blackbaud's Total School Solution for effective educational management and donor engagement. Their implementation of Blackbaud’s Optimized Donation Forms has significantly simplified their fundraising efforts, enhancing the overall experience for donors and staff alike. By streamlining their processes, they can better support their vibrant learning community.
Additionally, SiriusXM recognizes the importance of philanthropy in the communities they serve. Through their partnership with Blackbaud’s YourCause platform, they facilitate employee charitable contributions and promote engagement through volunteering initiatives. In recognition of GivingTuesday, SiriusXM encouraged employees to give back to their favorite nonprofits while participating in a company-wide day of volunteering.
The NHL and NHLPA have also created a lasting impact through their partnership with Blackbaud’s EVERFI, providing educational programs focused on STEM through the sport of hockey. This initiative has influenced over 4.1 million K-12 students across the U.S. and Canada, showcasing the role of sports in education.
To further enhance fundraising capabilities, Blackbaud has introduced innovative features in its donation forms. One notable addition is the Intelligent Ask, which optimizes the suggested donation amount for each individual—enhancing the engagement of new donors. The Optimized Donation Form now features a goal meter, illustrating the progress towards fundraising objectives, thus encouraging further contributions by showcasing the collective impact.
Porter-Gaud's Advancement Services Manager, Tracey Zirneklis, expressed excitement about the new donation form features, highlighting their capacity to improve efficiency and ease in managing donations.
As part of GivingTuesday celebrations, the closing bell ringing was streamed live and shared across Blackbaud and Nasdaq's social media. Organizations aiming to boost their fundraising initiatives for year-end are encouraged to access Blackbaud’s toolkit, which provides essential insights and resources.
Founded with the sole mission of empowering social impact, Blackbaud has established itself as a leader in providing software solutions tailored to the needs of nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and socially conscious businesses. Their commitment is reflected in their operations spanning six countries and support to users in more than 100 nations. With annual fundraising exceeding $100 billion through their platforms, Blackbaud’s influence is significant in driving positive change across the globe.
To learn more about Blackbaud and their initiatives, visit www.blackbaud.com or follow their social media channels for updates.