Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) andhjc today released findings from their 2013 Next Generation of Canadian Giving study that uncovers the preferred giving and communication channels of four generations of Canadian donors: Generation Y (18-32); Generation X (33-48); Baby Boomers (49-67); and Civics (68+).

Among the study's findings: Gen X is a rising force in philanthropy in Canada -- quickly gaining on Boomers and Civics, the most generous generations. The study, which builds on a similar study conducted in 2010, is based on a major national survey of more than 800 Canadian donors, commissioned by Blackbaud, and produced by hjc, Edge Research and SeaChange Strategies.

"It is critical for nonprofits to address each generation so that they can attract and retain new donors without compromising revenue from their existing donor base," said Michael Johnston, founder and president of hjc. "This study provides both strategic and practical guidance for fundraisers by demonstrating how Canadian donors in different age segments want to be communicated with and how they typically respond."

Additional key findings of the study include:

  • Gen X is giving in high numbers and is an important generation to watch.
  • Multichannel is the new normal. While all generations are multi-channel in their communications habits, the ideal mix varies from generation to generation.
  • Direct mail is far from dead, but it also won't last forever. Gen Y and X are far more likely to give online, and as many Baby Boomers say they give online as via direct mail.
  • Generation Y has distinct priorities and preferences with regard to causes they support. Notably, they are far more likely to demand accountability and transparency than older donors.
  • The value of some channels, e.g. social media, is undervalued if measured by transaction, as opposed to engagement, metrics.

Differences between Canadian and United States donors

Because the study was based on similar studies into the habits and preferences of American donors, it also provides insight into the differences between Canadian donors and their American counterparts. For example, support for advocacy organizations in the U.S. is almost double that in Canada, and support for military troops/veteran organisations is about three times greater in the U.S. However, Canadians are far more likely to support health and children's charities than their American counterparts.

"The way supporters in both the U.S. and Canada give and interact with nonprofits continues to evolve," said Dennis McCarthy, vice president of strategy for Target Analytics, a division of Blackbaud. "It serves as a reminder that, as fundraisers, we need to establish an integrated suite of tools and channels to engage people across multiple generations now and start planning for the future."

To download the full study, visit www.hjcnewmedia.com/nextgencanadiangiving2013.

About Blackbaud

Serving the nonprofit and education sectors for 30 years, Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) combines technology and expertise to help organizations achieve their missions. Blackbaud works with more than 28,000 customers in over 60 countries that support higher education, healthcare, human services, arts and culture, faith, the environment, independent K-12 education, animal welfare and other charitable causes. The company offers a full spectrum of cloud-based and on-premise software solutions and related services for organizations of all sizes including: fundraising, eMarketing, advocacy, constituent relationship management (CRM), financial management, payment services, analytics and vertical-specific solutions. Using Blackbaud technology, these organizations raise more than $100 billion each year. Recognized as a top company by Forbes, InformationWeek, and Software Magazine and honored by Best Places to Work, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.

About hjc

Hewitt & Johnston Consultants (hjc) specializes in integrated fundraising, brand building, and campaigning. Since 1992, the firm has expertly worked with nonprofits to bring online and other channels together for successful acquisition, retention, reinstatement, and advocacy campaigning. hjc's strategic consulting team brings together some of the most innovative thinkers in the nonprofit sector. The firm's in-house production team of designers, programmers and copywriters can do it all -- delivering complete programs to engage nonprofits' core constituencies and advance their mission and mandate. For more information, visit www.hjcnewmedia.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks related to our dividend policy and share repurchase program, including potential limitations on our ability to grow and the possibility that we might discontinue payment of dividends; risks relating to restrictions imposed by the credit facility; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

Electra Marketing for hjc
Jennifer C. Judkins, 512-773-1177
jjudkins@electramktg.com
or
Blackbaud, Inc.
Melanie Mathos, 843-216-6200 x3307
media@blackbaud.com