#United States #Los Angeles #Blackbaud #Wildfire Relief

Understanding the Power of Community during Crisis

In the wake of devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles, leading to the destruction of over 50,000 acres and loss of numerous homes, the role of technology and dedicated individuals has proven invaluable. Blackbaud, a pioneer in creating software for social impact, showcases how its customers—ranging from nonprofits to corporate entities—are mobilizing funds to support both immediate and ongoing recovery efforts.

Mike Gianoni, the President and CEO of Blackbaud, emphasized the profound dedication exhibited by their clients. "During a time of such hardship, we're honored to support our clients who are on the front lines, assisting individuals and communities to recover and rebuild," he stated. His confidence in the ability of these organizations to create significant change is shared across the board, demonstrating a strong commitment to help those in need.

The Role of Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations are leveraging Blackbaud's technology to efficiently manage donor outreach and streamline donation processing. A myriad of these organizations has stepped in to assist victims of the wildfires, providing critical services like mental health support, emotional resource guidance, and food distribution.

Some notable organizations include:

• - Foothill Family: This organization focuses on mental health care and has partnered with the American Red Cross to offer on-the-ground support for affected families, particularly children who have endured traumatic experiences. They are also facilitating wellness workshops aimed at helping families rebuild emotionally.
• - Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles: Over 3,000 members from this organization were impacted by the fires, prompting them to create a dedicated cookie sales page to support affected members and their families. Their initiatives include a successful letter-writing campaign, generating over 5,600 encouraging messages for impacted scouts, showcasing the powerful community spirit of solidarity.
• - Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA): This organization has a long-standing history of providing social services to Los Angeles communities and has pivoted to address the challenges created by the wildfires, including homelessness and mental health care.
• - Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Responding proactively to the crisis, the food bank has mobilized over 9,000 volunteers, distributing millions of pounds of food and supplies to those affected.
• - Union Station Homeless Services: This organization initiated an emergency relief fund aimed at providing immediate housing, food, and supplies, transitioning from rapid response to long-term recovery as the situation evolves.

These organizations, along with many others, are pivotal in addressing both the immediate needs of victims and assisting with long-term community healing and rebuilding.

Corporate Responsibility in Action

Beyond nonprofits, corporate entities utilizing Blackbaud's YourCause® platform have also stepped up significantly. More than 215 companies have initiated employee driven campaigns that have generated over $8.1 million for wildfire relief, encompassing matching donations and volunteer support.

For instance, Pennymac, a leading home loan provider, established an enhanced employee-driven initiative that includes a more generous matching program facilitating immediate financial assistance to those affected. Their commitment extends further, offering volunteer grants to incentivize and support employee participation in recovery efforts. Kisha Parker Croom, Managing Director of Corporate Sustainability at Pennymac, articulated the company’s commitment to fostering resilience through community engagement.

Blackbaud's Ongoing Commitment

In addition to facilitating the efforts of their customers, Blackbaud itself has made substantial contributions to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross, solidifying its standing as a committed player in the mission for social betterment. Furthermore, they announced a significant multi-year gift to support disaster philanthropy globally.

As showcased by these collective efforts, the Los Angeles wildfire recovery is a testament to the extraordinary resilience of individuals and communities coming together during times of crisis. Blackbaud's commitment to fostering social impact through technology remains strong, enabling every stakeholder to contribute to meaningful change and support those who need it the most.

Through the actions of many, hope is restored in the hearts of individuals, communities are rebuilt, and lives are transformed, demonstrating the power of unity in facing adversity.