Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits Scholarships Awarded!

This year, as you can imagine, there was an unprecedented number of scholarship applications — 92 to be exact. While we would like to think that the demand has risen solely because of all of the great technology sessions (and parties) we have planned, in all reality, we know that nonprofits are facing tighter budgets this year.

That is why instead of the three scholarships we had planned, we have awarded 10 additional complimentary passes, including four Get Social! passes. We have also extended our early-bird registration discount until September 30.

Each year, Blackbaud offers scholarships to nonprofit professionals who best summarize the reasons they feel qualified to attend the Conference.  Each scholarship includes a complimentary registration to the Conference and supporting events including meals, local transportation, and evening events. This year, we are pleased to announce the following scholarship winners, and to share a few of their comments:

Nikki Berrian, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta

• “While, from a business and budget prospective, I am well aware of the need to refrain from erroneous spending, I also know firsthand the value the Blackbaud Conference for Non-Profits brings to its attendees.  Each year I’m afforded the opportunity to participate, I leave with invaluable insight on how to make better use of the system and/or greater efficiencies in procedures.” 

Diane Maidl, School Sisters of Notre Dame

• “This conference has benefited our software and its usage. Unfortunately, as a result of the current economy, I have been faced with the challenge of many nonprofits all over the world.  To continue fiscal responsibility, I have chosen to pursue alternative funding so that I can ensure continuing growth of our software along with increasing knowledge of new and upcoming technology.”

Kathleen O'Brien, P.E.A.C.E. Inc.

• “At this time, when our agency is embarking upon an entirely new and exciting approach to increasing giving, we stand to benefit greatly from the Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits.”   

Jose Ortiz, Chicago Children’s Museum

• “This training would benefit me on own mission to be a much more valued person at the museum. I would love to learn all different sides of it, from technical support to financial reporting to general tips and tricks. I would even love to give advice on how to bring over those tricky split gifts.”

Lani Naihe, Mount Desert Island Hospital 

• “I have a deep desire to do things well and I feel I would benefit greatly from this conference.  As a young fundraiser, I am the future of this field. As that next generation of fundraisers who are going to be using Blackbaud for the next 35 years, I need to know what changes are on the horizon.” 

Vernette Rucker, United Family Services

• “I would like to continue my progression in gaining greater knowledge and training so that I can utilize Raiser’s Edge more effectively and expeditiously, and in accordance with my goals as a Development Professional.”

Clarenda Stanley, Saint Augustine's College

• “Working for a small, private historically black college, I am accustomed to tight budgets. However, in the face of a recession, these already tight budgets have become even tighter. While my institution recognizes the importance of professional development, there simply is not funding to support the costs associated with attending this conference.”

Tim Troutman, Charlotte Rescue Mission 
 (Blogger’s note: I have to admit that his third reason was not taken into consideration, but hilarious nonetheless.)

• “I can give you three great reasons why you should choose me: 1. I have valuable and unique skills in data-mining which I can share with co-attendees, 2. I’m a long time user of Raiser’s Edge with about 8 years of experience, and 3. I have a beard.  (Having bearded fellows at a conference gives the impression, whether true or false, that some serious intellectual and scientific discussion is commencing therein).  Adding a bearded guest will immeasurably increase the prestige of your already renowned conference."

Emilie Valentine, Congregation Emanu-El 

• “My day-to-day schedule is so busy and full of 'putting out fires' it would be so nice to be able to spend a few days actual focusing on the options and what we could do to make our use of Blackbaud products more effective.”

We also recently held the Get Social! Contest, a social-media scavenger hunt for Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits passes. Congratulations to the Get Social! Contest winners:

Merrie Beth Nauman, Ocean Conservancy 
Laurie Bragg, Youth Alternatives Ingraham
Angela Altamore, Marian High School
Ariel Federow, Astraea Foundation

For more information about the Blackbaud Conference for Nonprofits, or to register, visit www.blackbaud.com/events/bb_conf/charleston/nonprofitconf.aspx.