Announcing the 2025 Blackbaud Impact Award finalists!

Christine Newman

Blackbaud is thrilled to announce finalists for the 2025 Blackbaud Impact Award, which celebrates organizations, companies, and people across the globe achieving incredible results with Blackbaud software.   

This inspiring and impressive group of finalists have displayed remarkable problem-solving skills, developed creative solutions for diverse challenges, and achieved extraordinary results.  

Join us in applauding the 2025 finalists and learn more about their work by visiting the Blackbaud Impact Awards website. 

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 at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits 
• Eleonore Heinrichs, Database & Reporting Team Lead at University of Manitoba 
• Liam Castellan, Development Operations and Database Manager at Shakespeare & Company   
• Rianti Bielder, Database Coordinator at Mary’s House Services   

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Blackbaud Impact Award winners will be revealed on Wednesday, September 10. We will also be honoring the winners on the bbcon mainstage in Philadelphia, London, and Sydney. Hope you can join us for the in-person celebrations!