Meet the winners of the 2025 Blackbaud Impact Awards!

The moment has arrived! It’s time to name the winners of the 2025 Blackbaud Impact Awards, which recognize our customers' extraoardinary accomplishments. We had an impressive and diverse array of finalists from across the globe who displayed a drive to innovate and unlock more potential from their Blackbaud software. After thoughtful consideration, our judging committee selected winners who have gone above and beyond using bold problem-solving skills, developing creative solutions to challenges, and bridging siloes to achieve extraordinary results. 

Please join us in applauding these extraordinary organizations and individuals. Their stories are powerful examples of what an unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and impact can accomplish. You can read more about their inspiring work and remarkable achievements by visiting the Blackbaud Impact Awards website. 

The winners of the 2025 Blackbaud Impact Awards are: 

• The Silo Buster Award: Alvernia University and Dexter Southfield  
  • CDW Corporation was a finalist 
• The Changemaker Award: Bauer Radio’s Cash for Kids and Save the Children 
  • Finalists include IWK Foundation, The Planning Council, and Wesco International 
• The Fueling Greatness Award: University of Indianapolis 
  • Finalists include Royal Neighbors of America, WSU Tech Foundation, and Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge 
• The Data Strategist Award: Capgemini Americas and Deakin University 
  • Finalists include Center for Grieving Children and Zonta Foundation for Women 
• The Futurist Award: British Columbia Children’s Hospital Foundation and Georgia Tech Foundation 
  • Finalists include Citymeals on Wheels and University School 
• The Outstanding Leadership Award: Vanessa Longacre-Wilcox, Executive Director, Project Management and Planning at Fred Hutch Cancer Center 
  • Finalists include Heather Geronemus, Senior Director, Social Impact, UKG; Dawn Ingram, Director of Fundraising, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity; Philip Thornton, Vice President of Advancement, University of Indianapolis; Suzanne Whitbeck, Executive Director, El Sol, Jupiter’s Resource Center; and Nathan Smith, Vice President, Philanthropy, RAIN, Inc. 
• The Rising Star Award: Liam Castellan, Development Operations and Database Manager, Shakespeare & Company 
  • Finalists include Rianti Bieler, Database Coordinator, Mary’s House Services; Eleonore Heinrichs, Database and Reporting Team Lead, University of Manitoba; Anna Gomez, Senior Specialist, External Communications & CSR, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; and Ana Sapp, Donor Database Manager, Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region 

Congratulations to all winners and finalists! The celebration continues as winners will be recognized at bbcon in Philadelphia, London, and Sydney. We hope you join us in-person or virtually for their exciting mainstage moment in Philadelphia.