Charleston based Blackbaud, Inc. has announced that the Florida State University (FSU) Foundation has selected the company’s solution for higher education institutions to centralize data from multiple constituencies and to provide an online—and offline information platform for the Foundation’s strategic growth.
“We’re excited by the opportunity this agreement provides for us to serve the University family more efficiently and effectively,†said Lee Hinkle, FSU’s vice president for University Relations, who oversees the FSU Foundation and two other University direct support organizations. “The Blackbaud systems will enable us to better respond to the needs of our donors, alumni, and other University friends.”
The Foundation raises more than $100 million annually, placing it in an elite group of higher education fundraising entities. The overall goal of the project is to implement an integrated system to address the specific needs of the FSU Foundation, Seminole Boosters, FSU Alumni Association, and The Ringling Museum. The solution will enable the Foundation to optimize advancement, website, financial and operational activities, and establish a comprehensive view of the school’s alumni and supporters by consolidating multiple databases into one system of record.
“We are pleased to partner with the Florida State University Foundation in providing a solution that will help sustain its outstanding record of success and support its continued growth,†said Marc Chardon, Blackbaud’s chief executive officer. “By implementing an integrated solution, the Foundation will be able to easily share information, improving efficiency and its strategic decision-making process. As an early adopter of Blackbaud Direct Marketing, the Foundation will enhance its outreach program, creating a consistent, 360-degree constituent experience.â€
The Foundation’s previous system was not fully integrated, was difficult to use, and lacked the advanced reporting capabilities that it needed. With Blackbaud’s solution for higher education institutions, the Foundation will be able to improve ease of use and enhance both information sharing and reporting across multiple business entities while improving overall data integrity.
The solution will help the Foundation in these key areas:
· Constituent Relationship Management—consolidating and standardizing data, improving ease of use and reporting, and helping the Foundation achieve a holistic view of its constituency
· Financial Management—facilitating efficiency in making tactical and strategic financial decisions and detailed and automated reporting
· Website Management—integrating offline and online data to tailor content and enhance and centralize communications
· Business Intelligence—to enable strategic reporting and sophisticated analysis, and improve stewardship to alumni, donors, members, and the FSU community at large
· Direct Marketing—allowing the Foundation to efficiently manage and execute multi-channeled campaigns from budgeting to reporting
· Consulting and Training Services—to guide the Foundation through implementation and training
via Blackbaud
