Blackbaud Inc. is a leading global provider of cloud software for social good organizations. It serves nonprofits, foundations, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and cultural institutions. The company is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, and operates in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Founded: 1981
Ticker: NASDAQ: BLKB
Employees: ~2,600
2023 Revenue: $1.2 billion
Market Cap: $3.2 billion
Founding and Growth
Blackbaud began as a small software company focused on fundraising tools for nonprofits. Over the decades, it expanded into a full suite of cloud-based solutions for the social good sector. Its growth has been driven by acquisitions, product innovation, and a strong focus on mission-driven organizations
Funding and Valuation
Blackbaud is a publicly traded company, so it does not rely on venture capital funding. Its valuation is market-driven and was approximately $3.2 billion as of 2023
Product Offerings and Features
Blackbaud Altru is one of Blackbaud’s flagship products, designed specifically for arts and cultural organizations like museums, zoos, aquariums, and gardens.
Key Features:
CRM: 360° constituent view for donors, members, and visitors
Ticketing: Online, mobile, and on-site ticket sales with timed entry and group sales
Fundraising: Donation tracking, pledge management, and campaign tools
Membership Management: Auto-renewals, tiered benefits, and promotions
Merchandise Sales: POS and inventory tracking for gift shops
Reporting & Analytics: Custom dashboards, queries, and exportable reports
Marketing Tools: Email campaigns, renewal notices, and branded microsites
AI & Automation: Predictive analytics, workflow automation, and donor insights
Acquisitions and Product Expansion
Blackbaud has expanded its ecosystem through strategic acquisitions:
YourCause: CSR and employee giving platform
JustGiving: Peer-to-peer fundraising
EVERFI (divested in 2025): Digital education platform
These acquisitions have enhanced Altru’s integration with broader fundraising, education, and CSR tools.
Blackbaud Altru AI and New Features
Recent updates to Altru include:
Blackbaud Integrated Payments: A unified payment processing solution
Enhanced AI Agents: For donor insights and task automation
Improved Membership Auto-Renewals: With customizable notices and workflows
Company Culture and Values
Blackbaud emphasizes:
Social impact: Supporting mission-driven organizations
Diversity and inclusion: Internal programs and community engagement
Sustainability: Environmental and ethical business practices
Employee development: Through Blackbaud University and internal mobility
User Base and Community
Blackbaud Altru serves:
Museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and science centers
Primarily in North America, with some international clients
Tens of thousands of users, including fundraisers, ticketing staff, and administrators
The Blackbaud Community provides forums, peer support, and shared resources. Users also benefit from Blackbaud University, webinars, and customer success programs
