Blackbaud Supports NetHope in its Efforts to Restore Communications in Haiti
January 22, 2010
Donation will provide 20 humanitarian organizations working in Haiti with critical IT resources
CHARLESTON, SC – January 21, 2010 – Blackbaud, Inc., (Nasdaq: BLKB) today announced that it is making a $50,000 donation in support of NetHope, an information technology collaboration of 28 leading international humanitarian organizations, which is working to restore communications infrastructure in Haiti.
When an emergency hits, NetHope reaches out to its members, including organizations like Heifer International, Plan International and Save the Children, and coordinates relief efforts—particularly when telecommunications infrastructure is damaged. Blackbaud is making the donation in the context of a larger partnership in support of NetHope’s mission to provide communication technology and practices to serve people in the developing world.
“This is probably the worst emergency from a telecommunications perspective that we have seen in recent years,” said Bill Brindley, NetHope’s Chief Executive Officer. “Anyone who wonders why relief materials aren’t getting to the victims can look to telecommunications as a major reason. Without telecom on the ground, it is difficult to make sure that the right supplies get to the right place at the right time.”
“Connectivity is critical to rescue operations in Haiti. Blackbaud’s gift will help provide access for 20 relief organizations. Once we reestablish communications, various collaboration tools like email and Internet, will come within reach of humanitarian organizations throughout the area.”
Learn how NetHope is restoring communications to relief organizations in Haiti
“We extend our sympathy to everyone who has been affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti and appreciate the important work that nonprofits are doing to provide aid,” said Marc Chardon, Blackbaud’s Chief Executive Officer. “We understand the importance of technology, not only in fundraising, but especially in disaster relief.”
“We’re pleased to support and partner with an organization like NetHope that is directly supplying resources to humanitarian organizations working in Haiti to provide relief. Our focus is on helping nonprofits by giving them the tools they need to collaborate during this critical time.”
Learn more about how you can support NetHope and its member organizations
“We are in a very fluid situation right now. Donations, like the one from Blackbaud, give us the flexibility to use our judgment as far as what assets will have the biggest immediate impact,” said Frank Schott, NetHope’s Global Program Director. “It’s a very challenging environment, and we are 100 percent focused on getting telecommunications up and running so that water, food, shelter and other humanitarian relief can flow efficiently.”
For more information on how you can help, and to read a blogpost from Bill Brindley, NetHope’s chief executive officer, visit Blackbaud’s philanthropy blog at www.blackbaud.com/servicetoothers.
About NetHope
NetHope is a new-generation information technology collaboration of 28 leading international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) representing more than $30 billion of humanitarian development, emergency relief, healthcare, micro-finance and conservation programs serving tens of millions of beneficiaries in more than 180 countries. Using a collaborative, membership-based model, NetHope develops and applies technological solutions on the international stage to improve humanitarian operations and significantly increase impact on beneficiaries. For more information, visit www.nethope.org.
About Blackbaud
Blackbaud is the leading global provider of software and services designed specifically for nonprofit organizations, enabling them to improve operational efficiency, build strong relationships, and raise more money to support their missions. Approximately 22,000 organizations — including University of Arizona Foundation, American Red Cross, Cancer Research UK, The Taft School, Lincoln Center, In Touch Ministries, Tulsa Community Foundation, Ursinus College, Earthjustice, International Fund for Animal Welfare, and the WGBH Educational Foundation — use one or more Blackbaud products and services for fundraising, constituent relationship management, financial management, website management, direct marketing, education administration, ticketing, business intelligence, prospect research, consulting, and analytics. Since 1981, Blackbaud’s sole focus and expertise has been partnering with nonprofits and providing them the solutions they need to make a difference in their local communities and worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, Blackbaud also has operations in Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.
