Blackbaud Announces the 2025 Blackbaud Impact Awards Finalists

We’re excited to unveil the finalists for the second annual Blackbaud Impact Awards, a celebration of the remarkable achievements made possible through Blackbaud software. These awards honor the organizations and individuals who are pushing boundaries, driving innovation, and making a lasting difference in their communities and beyond.

For more than four decades, Blackbaud has been a trusted partner to changemakers around the world. Our software solutions empower nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and purpose-driven companies to amplify their missions and accelerate their impact. The Impact Awards were created to spotlight the incredible work our customers are doing and to recognize how they’re transforming potential into progress.

“The energy and creativity our customers brought to this year’s nominations blew us away,” said Catherine LaCour, Chief Marketing Officer at Blackbaud. “It’s deeply moving to see how they’re harnessing technology not just to meet goals, but to reimagine what’s possible. We’re proud to celebrate their bold vision and the transformative impact they’re making.”

This year, customers from across the globe submitted nominations in seven award categories, highlighting both organizational excellence and outstanding leadership. The finalists represent a diverse cross-section of the social impact sector—from grassroots nonprofits and local schools to global enterprises and mission-driven companies.

“What makes this year’s finalists so compelling is the diversity of their impact,” said Todd Lant, Chief Customer Officer at Blackbaud. “Across sectors, geographies, and missions, they’re using data and technology to drive transformation—from building smarter systems and breaking down silos to launching innovative outreach strategies and empowering teams. These organizations remind us that when purpose meets the right tools, the ripple effect can be profound.”

The 2025 Blackbaud Impact Awards finalists are, in alphabetical order:

The Silo Buster Award: Recognizes organizations that have broken down silos and increased collaboration for greater impact.  

• Alvernia University  

• CDW Corporation   

• Dexter Southfield 

The Changemaker Award: Recognizes agile organizations that have embraced new tech capabilities to overcome challenges and deliver results.   

• Bauer Radio’s Cash for Kids  

• IWK Foundation 

• Save the Children 

• The Planning Council 

• Wesco International 

The Fueling Greatness Award: Recognizes organizations that have reached or surpassed ambitious goals.   

• Royal Neighbors of America  

• University of Indianapolis 

• Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge 

• WSU Tech Foundation 

The Data Strategist Award: Recognizes organizations that showcase how data-informed decisions or problem solving have given them a greater edge. 

• Capgemini Americas 

• Center for Grieving Children 

• Deakin University  

• Zonta Foundation for Women 

The Futurist Award: Recognizes organizations that have pursued technological exploration and creativity within Blackbaud’s flexible ecosystem with notable results.   

• British Columbia Children’s Hospital Foundation 

• Citymeals on Wheels 

• Georgia Tech Foundation  

• University School 

The Outstanding Leadership Award: Celebrates exceptional executive-level leaders who empower their teams and organizations 

• Dawn Ingram, Director of Fundraising at Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity  

• Heather Geronemus, Senior Director, Social Impact at UKG 

• Nathan Smith, Vice President Philanthropy at RAIN, Inc.   

• Philip Thornton, Vice President of Advancement at University of Indianapolis   

• Suzanne Whitbeck, Executive Director at El Sol, Jupiter’s Resource Center   

• Vanessa Longacre-Wilcox, Senior Executive Director, Data Philanthropy at Fred Hutch Cancer Center  

The Rising Star Award: A new award category, recognizes ambitious individuals at manager-level or below (non-executive or director level) who demonstrate exceptional potential in their field 

• Ana Sapp, Donor Database Manager at Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region   

• Anna Gomez, Senior Specialist, External Communications & CSR, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits 

• Eleonore Heinrichs, Database & Reporting Team Lead at University of Manitoba 

• Liam Castellan, Development Operations and Database Manager, Shakespeare & Company   

• Rianti Bielder, Database Coordinator at Mary’s House Services   

Blackbaud will reveal the winners at bbcon 2025, its annual technology conference happening in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania October 6-8. For more details about the finalists and the awards, visit: https://www.blackbaud.com/impact-awards.