Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) wrapped up bbcon 2025, its flagship annual tech conference, spotlighting how AI is redefining the social impact sector. The three-day event brought together nonprofits, schools, healthcare organizations, universities, and CSR teams to explore Blackbaud AI, the company’s suite of tools aimed at driving impact at scale.
“The rise of AI represents a once-in-a-generation paradigm shift for social impact organizations,” said Mike Gianoni, president and CEO of Blackbaud. “This week has been an incredible opportunity to explore ways to help organizations move with more confidence, connection, and possibility.”
From Systems of Record to Systems of Action
At the heart of Blackbaud’s announcements was a vision for intelligent action, moving beyond static record-keeping to AI-driven workflows that integrate insights across business units.
Key innovations include:
- Blackbaud AI: Adds sector-specific intelligence across donor management, recognition programs, and personalized journeys to boost engagement at scale.
- Blackbaud Agents for Good™: Virtual, agentic team members embedded in the platform to handle complex workflows, freeing staff to focus on storytelling, relationships, and strategy.
“The Development Agent, our first Agent for Good, proactively manages donor portfolios, communications, and outreach, allowing organizations to reach prospects they previously lacked capacity to engage,” said Blackbaud.
Additional capabilities showcased included:
- Chat for Blackbaud AI: A smart conversational assistant summarizing data, generating content, and suggesting next steps.
- Prospect Insights Pro: Enables custom prospect segmentation with predictive analytics.
- Document Intelligence: Reads invoices (PDF, image, or photo) and drafts Accounts Payable records automatically.
- Modernized Applicant UX: Streamlined navigation and refreshed visuals for Blackbaud Award Management.
- Expedited Giving: Speeds corporate donation disbursement by up to 95% and improves integration with platforms like Raiser’s Edge NXT and Blackbaud CRM.
Responsible AI and the AI Coalition for Social Impact
Blackbaud emphasized ethical AI adoption, with Chief Data and AI Officer Carrie Cobb noting, “AI isn’t just code. It’s decisions. It’s influence.”
To support responsible adoption, Blackbaud launched the AI Coalition for Social Impact, with founding members including Anthropic, Databricks, GivingTuesday, and the Responsible AI Institute. The coalition will provide a free, platform-agnostic AI for Social Impact Certification Course, starting later this year.
Celebrating Innovation and Impact
bbcon 2025 also recognized outstanding organizations and startups driving social change:
- bbdevdays Hackathon Winners: Georgia Tech Foundation, Preble Street, Opportunity International, Christendom College, House of Ruth Maryland.
- Blackbaud Impact Awards: Honoring organizations turning potential into progress.
- Social Good Startup Showcase: Judge’s Choice: Daffodil, Pledge, Revere Software; People’s Choice: Connect to Give.
“bbcon is where our community comes together not just to dream—but to do,” said Catherine LaCour, chief marketing officer.
Looking Ahead
Next year’s bbcon is scheduled for Columbus, OH, September 29–October 1, 2026. In the meantime, top sessions will be available on demand from October 14, 2025, via a free virtual pass at bbconference.com.
Blackbaud’s roadmap highlights a continued focus on AI-powered workflows, sector-specific tools, and responsible adoption, signaling a major shift in how nonprofits and purpose-driven organizations leverage technology for maximum impact.
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