Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits Focuses on Nonprofits of the Future

Previews cloud computing platform and features development around NetCommunity Open Platform

CHARLESTON, SC—Blackbaud, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLKB), concluded its ninth annual Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits today. With more than 1200 nonprofit leaders from around the world, the three-day conference featured 120 sessions focused on Internet strategy, fundraising, technology, financial management, prospecting and analysis, marketing, and leadership.

"My colleagues from the Florida State University Foundation and I found Blackbaud's Conference for Nonprofits to be very beneficial," said Jeanne Pecha, the Foundation's assistant vice president, Advancement Services. "The information presented at the application and technology sessions, particularly related to the Infinity platform seems very promising. Also exciting is the impact that the Internet and social networking will have on future fundraising strategies.

"Meeting and networking with colleagues from around the country enabled us to form connections that are important to FSU since we are a relatively new enterprise client of Blackbaud's. Most impressive was the availability of, not only the consultants, but also the key executives. They were all willing to spend their time discussing current issues and sharing ideas about the future."

The conference kicked off with a presentation by Marc Chardon, Blackbaud's chief executive officer on "Laying the Foundation for the Nonprofit of the Future." "Standing here today, I am proud of the work we have done to offer a portfolio of applications that empowers nonprofits like yours to manage all the different ways supporters connect with you," said Chardon. "We'll keep working on it to ensure you're ready for the challenges you'll face in 2015."

Chardon was joined by Jeane Chen, the Kintera Division's executive vice president of engineering, who gave a live demonstration of the Sphere-Raiser's Edge Connector and Shaun Sullivan, Blackbaud's chief technology officer, who gave a technology preview of the company's new cloud computing platform code-named "Nimbus" that is currently in development. The Sphere-Raiser's Edge Connecter enables a bi-directional data exchange between The Raiser's Edge and Blackbaud Sphere. The Nimbus technology layer builds on the Infinity platform to provide existing Blackbaud customers access to new Infinity-based offerings from their current solutions and to help smooth the transition for these customers as they upgrade to the company's Infinity-powered, next-generation solutions.

Sullivan also unveiled the new Facebook Developer Toolkit for Blackbaud NetCommunity developers and announced the winner of Blackbaud's Developer Network Challenge. View the winning entry from Garrett Keating of The U.S. Naval Academy and Alumni Association, sample code, the Toolkit and the product screencasts at www.blackbaudlabs.com. Through a partnership with live Internet event specialist Multicast, the live feed of the general session presentation has been archived, and is available for viewing here. In addition, several of the sessions were archived on the Blackbaud UStream.tv channel.

Peter Thum, founder of Ethos Water presented the keynote session on Tuesday. Thum spoke about his eight-year odyssey that has changed an industry, generated millions of dollars, and saved lives by addressing water, education and sanitation needs all over the world. "I think the reason people support Ethos Water is that this brand is special and different—it has a mission at its core," Thum said. "Every time someone buys a bottle, they become a shareholder and a part of the solution."

Social media played a huge role at the 2008 Conference for Nonprofits. Conference news was posted on the Conference for Nonprofits Blog and in the discussion forum. Here are some of the technologies that helped attendees, media, and staff stay connected and share news:

• Twitter — for microblogging
  View the official Blackbaud feed at www.twitter.com/bbcon, or see attendees perspectives here.
• Flickr — for photo sharing
  Visit the official Blackbaud Flickr page or the Conference for Nonprofits Pool.
• Delicious — for social bookmarking
  Visit www.delicious.com/tag/bbcon to see relevant links from speakers and attendees.

For more information, read the official Social Web Guide (PDF).

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud is the leading global provider of software and services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, enabling them to improve operational efficiency, build strong relationships, and raise more money to support their missions. Approximately 22,000 organizations — including University of Arizona Foundation, American Red Cross, Cancer Research UK, The Taft School, Lincoln Center, InTouch Ministries, Tulsa Community Foundation, Ursinus College, Earthjustice, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and the WGBH Educational Foundation — use one or more Blackbaud products and services for fundraising, constituent relationship management, financial management, website management, direct marketing, education administration, ticketing, business intelligence, prospect research, consulting, and analytics. Since 1981, Blackbaud's sole focus and expertise has been partnering with nonprofits and providing them the solutions they need to make a difference in their local communities and worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, Blackbaud also has operations in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.