Blackbaud

Blackbaud is a software and services company based in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. It primarily serves nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and foundations. Its products and services are designed to help these organizations manage fundraising, financial management, student information, grant management, and other operational areas.

Blackbaud was founded in 1981 by Anthony Bakker and initially focused on providing software solutions for private schools. Over the years, the company expanded its product line and market reach through organic growth and acquisitions, becoming a dominant player in the nonprofit technology sector.

Key product offerings from Blackbaud include Raiser's Edge NXT (fundraising and relationship management), Financial Edge NXT (financial management), Blackbaud CRM (customer relationship management), and Blackbaud Student Information System (student information management). The company also offers a suite of services, including consulting, implementation, and training.

Blackbaud's market position has made it a subject of both praise and criticism. Supporters emphasize its ability to provide comprehensive solutions that meet the unique needs of nonprofit organizations. Critics sometimes point to its pricing structure, complexity of implementation, and potential for data security vulnerabilities as areas for concern.