#USA #Columbus #fundraising #Blackbaud #Lantern

Introduction to Lantern™

Blackbaud, the leading provider of AI solutions for social impact, has introduced Lantern™, a novel language model specifically crafted for the nuances of fundraising. During the recent bbcon 2026, the release was met with enthusiasm from professionals eager to enhance their fundraising capabilities.

The Need for a Specialized Model

The social impact sector has seen a surge in AI usage, with approximately 85% of professionals incorporating these technologies into their daily tasks. However, only about 10% of organizations report substantial benefits from their investments. In response, Blackbaud has partnered with Databricks to develop Lantern™, addressing the unique challenges faced by fundraisers in harnessing AI effectively.

Tailored Intelligence for Fundraising

Unlike general AI models that learn from broad internet data, Lantern™ is trained with a profound understanding of giving behaviors rather than consumer habits. With over $100 billion raised annually through Blackbaud’s platforms, the expertise embedded within Lantern™ ensures it grasps the intricacies of fundraising relations, donor dynamics, and nonprofit priorities. As Mike Gianoni, Blackbaud's CEO, states, "Every organization has access to powerful AI, but Lantern learns from philanthropy."

Collaboration with Databricks

The development of Lantern™ involved a strategic collaboration with Databricks, integrating influential open-weight models on their Data + AI Platform. Coupled with over 40 years of experience in the social impact arena, Lantern™ employs post-training techniques using simulated fundraising scenarios derived from Blackbaud’s Social Impact Signal Graph™. This innovative approach allows the model to adapt seamlessly as technology evolves, ultimately enhancing its effectiveness and accuracy in real-world applications.

ensuring Responsible AI Practices

Lantern™ is developed adhering to Blackbaud’s Responsible AI principles, emphasizing privacy, transparency, and appropriate governance tailored to the needs of social impact organizations. This commitment ensures nonprofits can leverage AI while maintaining trust and ethical standards in their operations.

Uncovering New Opportunities in Fundraising

Lantern™ is designed to illuminate hidden opportunities within fundraising efforts, guiding organizations through complexities and facilitating their focus on maximizing impact. The model considers key aspects like donor retention, upgrade pathways, and lifelong relationships, which are essential to successful fundraising but often overlooked by general AI models.

As Carrie Cobb, Chief Data and AI Officer at Blackbaud, emphasizes, "The future of AI isn't about who has the largest model; it's about who best reflects the world their customers operate in."

Real-World Applications

Blackbaud is actively collaborating with users from various organizations, including Boston University, Hesed House, and the YMCA of the North, to refine Lantern™ and ensure it meets the specific outcomes frontline fundraisers aim to achieve. The feedback from these partners highlights the necessity of AI in understanding the unique language and complexities of the fundraising landscape.

Future Prospects for Lantern™

Lantern™ is set to be incorporated within Blackbaud's Platform for Good™, ensuring that fundraising intelligence is available directly through the solutions organizations utilize daily. Planned to enhance selected features in Blackbaud’s Raiser's Edge NXT® and Agents for Good™ starting in 2027, the model aims for broader availability across various Blackbaud systems soon thereafter.

Conclusion

With the debut of Lantern™, Blackbaud is not just launching an AI model; it’s paving the way for a transformed approach to fundraising. By addressing the unique needs of the social impact sector, Lantern™ promises to empower professionals, enabling them to harness actionable intelligence for more effective fundraising strategies. As Blackbaud continues to innovate, it supports the mission of social good with integrity and cutting-edge technology.

For more information about Blackbaud and Lantern™, visit www.blackbaud.com.