#United States #Charleston #AI Strategy #Blackbaud #Social Impact

Blackbaud Introduces Comprehensive Enhancements for Social Impact Organizations

Blackbaud, recognized as a leader in software designed for social impact, is embarking on a week-long event to showcase significant product updates at its semi-annual Product Update Briefings. From May 6 to May 9, attendees will learn about the advancements at Blackbaud and their commitment to driving innovation and effectiveness for nonprofits and educational institutions.

A Commitment to Innovation

Sudip Datta, Chief Product Officer at Blackbaud, highlighted the company’s dedication to enriching user experiences through its robust intelligence platform. Since launching a progressive innovation strategy at the annual conference, bbcon, last year, Blackbaud has consistently promised its customers a faster rate of development. “We are genuinely committed to enhancing the support we provide to social mission organizations,” he stated.

At this week’s briefings, various product leaders will present detailed reviews of their respective roadmaps, introduce several new tools, and discuss the longer-term vision for their products in alignment with the themes communicated at bbcon 2024. This event represents a unique opportunity for users to gain early insights into upcoming features and directly influence product developments through their feedback.

AI Integration: Intelligence for Good®

A focal point of this year's announcements is the integration of artificial intelligence within their platforms, under the “Intelligence for Good®” initiative. Carrie Cobb, Chief Data and AI Officer, elaborated on how these tools are designed to simplify workflows and enhance overall productivity.

For example, the introduction of Blackbaud Copilot—a personal assistant built within the software—aims to help users save time by automating repetitive tasks. This innovative assistant will assist fundraising professionals, grant managers, educators, and more to focus on what truly matters: building meaningful connections and driving impact.

Key Product Highlights

Donor Management Enhancements

• - Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT®: Attendees will be shown the innovative Blackbaud Copilot, designed to improve fundraising efforts by automating routine tasks. A new integration with Constant Contact, set for mid-2025, will enhance digital marketing capabilities, fostering better connections with supporters.
• - Blackbaud Enterprise Fundraising CRM™: With updates to workflows, this platform promises higher efficiency in managing constituent information and fundraising processes.
• - Blackbaud Altru®: An automatic Credit Card Updater has been introduced, which is critical for preventing payment disruptions for organizations like museums and ticketed attractions.

Data Intelligence and Predictive Modeling

Blackbaud continues to enhance its predictive capabilities, allowing for more precise matching of constituent records to wealth and giving data, leading to actionable insights. With the rollout of improved identity resolution features in collaboration with LiveRamp, Blackbaud expects substantial improvements in service effectiveness by the next quarter.

Financial Management Tools

• - The new Payment Assistant feature within Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT® introduces a streamlined accounts payable process, providing finance teams with tiered approvals for transaction management.
• - Blackbaud Grantmaking: The platform is being optimized to simplify grant applications and financial integrations, enabling a seamless experience for fund management.

Online Giving Innovations

• - Through tools such as Donor Cover and Complete Cover, users can now provide options for donors to cover associated processing fees, thereby maximizing revenues for their organizations.
• - Additional features in Luminate Online™ aim to enhance the online donor experience significantly, including new customizable website components for organizations.

The Road Ahead

As Blackbaud continues to push forward with its innovations, organizations can expect an array of tools and features that not only simplify operational complexities but also enrich the capacity to connect with supporters and execute missions more effectively. The introduction of features such as Action Hubs and enhanced reporting capabilities illustrates Blackbaud's commitment to transforming the landscape of social impact work.

In summary, the enhancements being revealed by Blackbaud not only promise to elevate the user experience within their platforms but also align perfectly with the evolving needs of social impact organizations, ultimately helping them achieve their vital missions more efficiently. Learn more by registering for the briefings and witnessing how the voice of the customer shapes the future of Blackbaud products.