Blackbaud

Over the next few months, some issues of the FS Advisor will feature “get to know us” articles focusing on FundRaising Success’ Editorial Advisory Board. The board, made up of development folks from nonprofit organizations and the agencies that serve the sector, helps us keep the magazine relevant by providing input on the information our readers need most to help them get their jobs done. We start the series this week with Shaw Drummond. Who: Shaw Drummond, vice president and general manager, Blackbaud Interactive business unit since 2007. Based in Charleston, S.C., Blackbaud is a provider of software and services designed to help nonprofit

Excerpted from a Blackbaud press release: CHARLESTON, S.C. —  Blackbaud, a provider of software and related services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, announced yesterday that it is acquiring Kintera, a provider of a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution to the nonprofit and government sectors. Under the terms of the agreement, Blackbaud will pay an all-cash purchase price of approximately $46 million. Blackbaud expects to finance the deal with cash and borrowings from its credit facility. Kintera’s principal offering is its online Sphere® technology platform, which is used by such leading organizations as American Lung Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, International Fund for

Charleston, S.C. — In recognition of National Volunteer Week, Blackbaud is hosting volunteer fairs and events at its Charleston and Indianapolis offices. National Volunteer Week was created in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order to establish the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. A service of the Points of Light & Hands On Network, the 2008 National Volunteer Week will be held from April 27 to May 3. Blackbaud recently formed a new team focused exclusively on philanthropy programs, which is being led by Rachel Hutchisson, director of corporate relations and philanthropy. “We truly believe that service to others

Q: Can a list become tired or overused? A: Yes, in extreme circumstances. If the mailer is taking every name and every segmentation possible and results are diminishing, it might be time to rest a list and return to it in a later mailing. The list broker can determine when a list is being overused; however, it usually takes years to reach this level. Q: Why are there duplications on the same list? A: Not everyone uses the same merge/purge logic, and there can be human error. This is quite common and is part of the standard allowable deductions that a list owner will

To identify the lists that work, a fundraiser has to first know his or her organization. The donor profile of your database is the best place to start when considering an outside-list acquisition program. External list donors who already have the same demographic and psychographic profile as your housefile donors are more likely to give to your organization over another one. Your donor profile might look something like this: * Female * Age 55+ * Income $50,000+ * Lives in Georgia * Likes to knit and enjoys walking Identifying common characteristics within your donor base can help you look for lists that meet a

With Web 2.0, as with all emerging technologies, there is a fine balance with what to use, what to lose and where to start. What is clear though, is that nonprofits need to embrace these technologies to take themselves to the next level. I recently had the opportunity to participate in an event hosted by a forward-thinking nonprofit organization that invited its technology partners to an open discussion about Internet trends in the nonprofit industry. As I prepared for the discussion, I jotted down four key concepts every nonprofit should embrace when thinking about where technology and

Since FS launched in 2003, we’ve been blessed to have an Editorial Advisory Board made up of some of the most knowledgeable and passionate people in the fundraising sector. Meet some of our 2008 board here, and look for the rest next month and, in coming months, Q-and-A interviews with each where they’ll share their insights on fundraising.

In its whitepaper, “E-Philanthropy Strategy for Nonprofits — Cast a Wider Net,” nonprofit software and services provider Blackbaud suggests that nonprofits consider the questions donors and potential supporters ask most often during phone conversations, and make the answers easily accessible on their Web sites. Among them: * What is your mission? * What community do you serve? * How would you use my donation? * How will you acknowledge my donation? * Do you need volunteers? * How do I get to your office? * Where do you get most of your funding? * How can I help? * What are the benefits of

Blackbaud recently conducted an assessment in an effort to help nonprofit organizations evaluate their current Internet marketing efforts. In this second look at the results, we’ll delve into the “Visit Value” section. With more than 500 respondents, the questions in this section focused on a Web site’s “sticky” properties — if it feels fresh and trustworthy, and offers information and experiences that make a return visit likely. Here is a look at how nonprofits are using, or not using, these principles: Is your Web site content updated at least monthly? Responses: Yes 67%; No 33% If your site content is not updated frequently,

Nonprofits face increasing competition for support every day. Fortunately, the Internet offers unparalleled opportunities to better differentiate your organization, increase involvement and operate more efficiently. By leveraging the Internet to market your organization, you can build stronger relationships with your constituents — including donors, members, volunteers and employees — to better support your mission both now and in the future.