Southeast Regional Grantmakers Gather for User Group Meeting

Kathleen Ward

Blackbaud Grantmaking users from across the region gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina, on December 12th to share ideas and network with peers. Hosted by The Duke Endowment, the day-long event featured user tips and tricks, a review of what’s new and coming soon with Blackbaud Grantmaking, a demo of the Advanced Search feature, plus a Q&A with the Blackbaud team of Product Manager Brenda Noiseux, Sr. Principal Consultant Jill Zurborg, and Customer Success Manager Kathleen Ward.

It was clear from the start that this group of Blackbaud Grantmaking users have one thing in common—a mission for social good! Natalie Smith, Controller with The Duke Endowment, kicked off the meeting by asking the group to share what tips they would like to dive into. Two common themes emerged:

1. Gain efficiencies in internal grantmaking process

A highlight of the meeting was Natalie’s demonstration of The Duke Endowment’s use of Blackbaud Grantmaking custom code tables to build an innovative financial reporting tool. Natalie shared TDE’s customer story on their history of streamlining grantmaking practices that make it easier for the team and their grantees.

Blackbaud's Jill Zurborg gave users valuable tips on building complex queries during her deep dive of the Advanced Search feature. Jill provided a demo on how to create and save searches using the Advanced Search functionality. We learned how to create our own search statements, insert expressions, and schedule reports.

The group shared their interest in developing APIs that interact with Blackbaud Grantmaking. Brenda Noiseux shared that the current Blackbaud Grantmaking API is being modernized in the SKY API. The first set of SKY API endpoints for Grantmaking will be available shortly in Preview in the SKY Developer portal. Taking advantage of SKY APIs will open a host of possibilities for extending the solution.

1. Make it easy for applicants/grantees to work with them

Seeking to build strong partnerships with grantees, the group shared their “Wish List” for the Grantee Portal with Brenda. Easy application forms and account management tools are at the top of the list to help grantees manage the entire grant process.

The new experience will include tools for managing submitted applications, an improved applicant/grantee portal, and a form builder. A select group of users are testing out the new modern experience in our Early Adopter Program to streamline the applicant experience and provide new features such as conditional logic, autosave, and the ability to share an application.

Brenda answered questions and shared the November Product Update Briefing where we announced the target General Availability date for the new applicant/grantee experience and shared videos about key features.

Are you interested in hosting a Blackbaud Grantmaking User Group? We would love to hear from you! Please comment on this blog to share with our community members.

Come say hi and connect with me on my community profile!

Happy 2024!

Kathleen

Natalie Smith, Controller at The Duke Endowment kicks off the meeting