Blackbaud

Ina sign that donors are feeling better about the economy, the number of American adults who said they plan to increase their contributions to charity this year increased to 18 percent, according to an annual survey.

Meanwhile, the share of people who said they would give less to charity in 2011 shrank to 14 percent in this year’s survey, down from 27 percent (2009 and 2010) and 26 percent (2008).

Charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations were essentially flat for the three months ending in November 2010—and that does not bode well for any serious rises in giving in 2011, according to a new analysis of giving to 1,468 nonprofit organizations.

The analysis, known as the Blackbaud Index of Charitable Giving, is based on data provided by selected members of the software company’s clients, with the goal of mirroring the types of organizations that make up the entire nonprofit world.

Nonprofit organizations are turning to technology to aid them in the reinvention and evaluation of fundraising programs; a growing trend according to a report of Top Technology Trends released today by Blackbaud.

This week's insider news includes an acquisition, an enhanced MDA file and useful enhancements to a popular fundraising product.

Blackbaud announced the release of a report focused on fundraising trends based on monthly findings from The Blackbaud Index and featuring commentary from Dave Strauss, president and chief executive officer of SCA Direct. Additionally, Blackbaud announced the release of a new specialty index focused on environmental and animal welfare organizations.

Online donations rose sharply last year, say three big organizations that handle Internet gifts.

Convio says online donations to its 1,300 clients topped $1.3-billion, a more than 40-percent increase.

Giving to 5,000 charity clients of Blackbaud grew by more than 10 percent in December alone, though the company wouldn’t give the precise increase. It's preparing a fuller report on 2010 results to release within the month.

And Network for Good says it processed 20 percent more in charitable donations last year than it did in 2009.

This week's insider news includes a new education partnership, an empowering program for lenders and a program to help support families and communities.

This week's insider news includes a big announcement from the North Pole; toy contributions for children in need; and a new list for political names.

The combination of holiday spirit and the last chance to snag a tax write-off means donors of all levels open their wallets. This year, experts say, people plan to open them a little wider.

Rick Dunham, a Dallas-based authority on charitable giving, names the performance of the stock market as the most important indicator of how much individuals and companies give each year. Slight economic recovery in 2010 should translate to dollar signs for nonprofits.

As charities are faced with an increased demand in services with just a slight recovery in giving in 2010, Blackbaud Inc. has a renewed focus on its corporate value "service to others makes the world a better place.” Just this year, the company participated in countless philanthropic initiatives; from donating over 4,469 toys during the holidays, and launching the Nonprofit Leadership Circle, to receiving the Green Business Pioneer Award.