Celebrating Social Impact: Winners of the 2025 Blackbaud Impact Awards Announced

Blackbaud Honors Exceptional Organizations at 2025 Impact Awards

Blackbaud, a recognized leader in AI for social impact, has unveiled the winners of the coveted 2025 Blackbaud Impact Awards. This initiative was created to celebrate remarkable organizations and individuals who are successfully utilizing Blackbaud’s suite of technology to drive significant change within their communities. The awards showcase the innovative achievements of these changemakers, who are dedicated to creating a better society through technology.

The awards are divided into various categories, focusing on different aspects of social impact and innovation. According to Todd Lant, the Chief Customer Officer at Blackbaud, "The 2025 award recipients exemplify how innovative use of technology can drive meaningful change for the missions and communities they support." Blackbaud recognizes the importance of showcasing these achievements as a means of motivation and inspiration for ongoing progress in social impact technologies.

This year, nominations were submitted globally by Blackbaud customers covering a wide array of sectors, including nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and socially responsible companies. Each award acknowledges unique contributions to sector-wide advancements.

Award Categories and Winners

1. The Changemaker Award: This accolade goes to organizations that have harnessed new technological capabilities to overcome challenges and deliver transformative results.
- Winner: Bauer Radio's Cash for Kids—This charity has implemented Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge NXT to enhance their internal data management and donor engagement, ultimately benefiting over 500,000 disadvantaged children in the UK.
- Winner: Save the Children—The organization modernized its legacy sponsorship program using multiple Blackbaud solutions, strengthening connections with donors to support vital educational and health initiatives worldwide.

2. The Silo Buster Award: Recognizing organizations that have utilized technology to foster connectedness and collaboration within teams.
- Winner: Alvernia University—Through Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT and Microsoft Power BI, they've unified departmental data, surpassing $,70 million in capital campaign goals.
- Winner: Dexter Southfield—Their integrated approach to communications has led to improved experiences for students and families across the board.

3. The Data Strategist Award: Acknowledging organizations that efficiently use data to enhance decision-making and operational effectiveness.
- Winner: Capgemini Americas—They leveraged Blackbaud's CSRconnect to significantly boost regional adoption of corporate social responsibility initiatives.
- Winner: Deakin University—Designed a scoring system for donor engagement that has allowed targeted outreach and improved alumni relations.

4. The Fueling Greatness Award: This award identifies organizations that have leveraged technology to exceed fundraising goals.
- Winner: University of Indianapolis—Utilizing Blackbaud’s tools has resulted in transformative fundraising success, demonstrating a sustainable philanthropy culture.

5. The Futurist Award: Celebrating innovative organizational explorations.
- Winner: British Columbia Children's Hospital Foundation—Implemented custom integrations between key systems to enhance fundraising efforts.

6. The Outstanding Leadership Award: Highlighting visionary leaders driving organizational success.
- Winner: Vanessa Longacre-Wilcox from Fred Hutch Cancer Center—Acknowledged for her pivotal role in optimizing donor experiences and promoting a culture of innovation.

7. The Rising Star Award: This accolade spotlights exceptional new talents.
- Winner: Liam Castellan from Shakespeare Company—Praised for his innovative strategies that have significantly improved fundraising outcomes.

The celebration of these achievements illustrates Blackbaud's commitment to social change and innovation, encouraging organizations to strive for impact and harness technology effectively. The recognition will take place during the upcoming bbcon 2025 technology conference, where Blackbaud will further explore advancements in the sector. For further details about this year's award winners and finalists, visit Blackbaud's official website.

As a pioneer in the realm of software solutions for social impact, Blackbaud continues to shape the landscape of philanthropy and community development, marking a significant milestone in their mission to empower changemakers worldwide.