Blackbaud, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLKB), announced today that the Florida State University (FSU) Foundation has selected the company’s solution for higher education institutions to centralize data from multiple constituencies and to provide an online—and offline information platform for the Foundation’s strategic growth.
“We’re excited by the opportunity this agreement provides for us to serve the University family more efficiently and effectively,” said Lee Hinkle, FSU’s vice president for University Relations, who oversees the FSU Foundation and two other University direct support organizations. “The Blackbaud systems will enable us to better respond to the needs of our donors, alumni, and other University friends.”
The Foundation raises more than $100 million annually, placing it in an elite group of higher education fundraising entities. The overall goal of the project is to implement an integrated system to address the specific needs of the FSU Foundation, Seminole Boosters, FSU Alumni Association, and The Ringling Museum. The solution will enable the Foundation to optimize advancement, website, financial and operational activities, and establish a comprehensive view of the school’s alumni and supporters by consolidating multiple databases into one system of record.
“We are pleased to partner with the Florida State University Foundation in providing a solution that will help sustain its outstanding record of success and support its continued growth,” said Marc Chardon, Blackbaud’s chief executive officer. “By implementing an integrated solution, the Foundation will be able to easily share information, improving efficiency and its strategic decision-making process. As an early adopter of Blackbaud Direct Marketing, the Foundation will enhance its outreach program, creating a consistent, 360-degree constituent experience.”
A solution for the entire FSU community
The Foundation’s previous system was not fully integrated, was difficult to use, and lacked the advanced reporting capabilities that it needed. With Blackbaud’s solution for higher education institutions, the Foundation will be able to improve ease of use and enhance both information sharing and reporting across multiple business entities while improving overall data integrity.
The solution will help the Foundation in these key areas:
- Constituent Relationship Management—consolidating and standardizing data, improving ease of use and reporting, and helping the Foundation achieve a holistic view of its constituency
- Financial Management—facilitating efficiency in making tactical and strategic financial decisions and detailed and automated reporting
- Website Management—integrating offline and online data to tailor content and enhance and centralize communications
- Business Intelligence—to enable strategic reporting and sophisticated analysis, and improve stewardship to alumni, donors, members, and the FSU community at large
- Direct Marketing—allowing the Foundation to efficiently manage and execute multi-channeled campaigns from budgeting to reporting
- Consulting and Training Services—to guide the Foundation through implementation and training
To learn more about Blackbaud’s solution for higher education institutions, please visit www.blackbaud.com/highereducation.
About Florida State University Foundation
The Florida State University Foundation, Inc. enhances the academic vision and priorities of FSU through its organized fundraising activities and funds management. The Foundation, a non-profit corporation established in 1960, is governed by an elected Board of Trustees, whose members serve as advocates for the University and its colleges, schools and programs. For more information, visit www.foundation.fsu.edu.
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 16,000 organizations — including the American Red Cross, Dartmouth College, the WGBH Educational Foundation, Episcopal High School, Lincoln Center, Cancer Research UK, Special Olympics, and Arthritis Foundation — use one or more of Blackbaud products and services for fundraising, constituent relationship management, financial management, direct marketing, school administration, ticketing, business intelligence, website management, 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.
Forward-looking Statements
Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: management of integration of Target Software and Target Analysis and other risks associated with acquisitions; risk associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organizations; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks related to our dividend policy and share repurchase program, including potential limitations on our ability to grow and the possibility that we might discontinue payment of dividends; risks relating to restrictions imposed by the credit facility; risks associated with management of growth; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC’s websites at www.sec.govor upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department.
All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.
