Blackbaud Sphere Grow Provides Nonprofits a Solution and Strategy for Online Success
Charleston, S.C., November 13, 2009 — Blackbaud, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLKB), the leading global provider of software and related services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, today announced the release of Blackbaud Sphere Grow™. This new “Grow” version of the company’s popular web-based emarketing and event fundraising solution, Blackbaud Sphere, provides nonprofits an affordable turn-key solution with a guided implementation and ongoing consulting services.
“Blackbaud Sphere Grow is a complete online marketing and peer-to-peer fundraising solution that helps nonprofits desiring a greater online presencebuild engaging websites, create effective email campaigns, run peer fundraising events, and measure their success,” said Steve MacLaughlin, Blackbaud’s director of Internet solutions. “The Grow package was designed to guide nonprofits through their strategy – from launch to analysis – to ensure success.”
Central to the solution is Blackbaud’s Friends Asking Friends technology, which allows users to set up and run 'Thon' style peer-to-peer fundraising events. Friends Asking Friends has built-in integration with social networks like Twitter®, Facebook®, and YouTube® to help nonprofits extend the reach of their marketing. Blackbaud Sphere Grow also includes an online supporter database thatstores all of a nonprofit’s website and email contacts, greatly reducing the amount of time and money staff must spend on administrative tasks and allowing supporters to provide a customized, targeted online experience with their organization.
Blackbaud Sphere Grow includes everything nonprofits need to reach new supporters and cultivate relationships with them online. It provides a comprehensive content management system (with no webpage limits), a complete email campaign toolset, an online peer-to-peer fundraising platform, implementation, design and strategic consulting, support and training. It also has the most comprehensive and open application program interface (API) in the industry, giving developers the power to connect their data operationally or programmatically.
Blackbaud Sphere Grow helps nonprofits:
· Set up and run 'Thon' style peer-to-peer fundraising events
· Reach new donors and event participants online
· Inspire more support with a more user-friendly and professional site
· Grow their list of email subscribers
· Design and launch email campaigns and newsletters
· Learn more about what inspires their community with website metrics and reporting
To register for a free web seminar providing an overview of Blackbaud Sphere Grow, or to learn more, visit www.blackbaud.com/spheregrow.
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, In Touch 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 Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.
