Blackbaud Announces the 2026 Blackbaud Impact Awards Finalists
Celebrating the Organizations and Individuals Using Technology, Innovation, and Collaboration to Drive Greater Impact
We’re excited to announce the finalists for the 2026 Blackbaud Impact Awards, recognizing outstanding organizations and leaders using Blackbaud technology to advance their missions, strengthen communities, and achieve extraordinary results.
As the world’s leading provider of AI-powered solutions for social impact, Blackbaud partners with organizations across the social impact ecosystem, including nonprofits, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, foundations, and corporate social impact teams. The Blackbaud Impact Awards celebrate customers that are embracing innovation, breaking down barriers, and using technology to create measurable, meaningful change.
This year’s finalists represent a remarkable cross-section of the social impact sector across North America, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Their stories show how organizations are using data, collaboration, digital transformation, and forward-thinking leadership to tackle complex challenges, deepen engagement, improve operations, and help people and communities thrive.
“The stories behind this year’s finalists highlight the incredible ingenuity, resilience and passion that define the social impact community,” said Todd Lant, chief customer officer, Blackbaud. “Across sectors and geographies, these organizations are finding innovative ways to solve challenges, strengthen connections, and create lasting change. We’re honored to celebrate their achievements and the impact they’re making every day.”
The Blackbaud Impact Awards continue to grow as a global celebration of customer excellence. Winners across the seven award categories will be announced on Tuesday, August 18, and will be celebrated live at bbcon 2026 in Columbus, London, and Sydney. Learn more about each finalist’s specific achievements at www.blackbaud.com/impact-awards.
Meet the 2026 Blackbaud Impact Awards Finalists
The Silo Buster Award
Recognizing organizations that have broken down barriers, increased collaboration, and connected teams, data, or processes to achieve greater impact.
Finalists:
- Applied Materials (US)
- Adelaide University (Australia)
- East Coast Zoological Foundation (US)
- NSU University School (US)
- Starfish Family Services (US)
- Wesco International (UK)
The Changemaker Award
Recognizing organizations that have embraced new technologies, innovative strategies, or transformative approaches to overcome challenges and drive meaningful results.
Finalists:
- Equality Now (US)
- Le Phare, Children’s Palliative Care (Canada)
- Local Office on Aging, Inc. (US)
- St. Raphael’s Hospice (UK)
- Vision Australia (Australia)
The Data Strategist Award
Recognizing organizations that use data strategically to inform decisions, improve outcomes, and maximize mission impact.
Finalists:
- A Kid Again (US)
- Cash for Kids UK (UK)
- Detroit Catholic High School (US)
- Diocese of Toledo (US)
- Skidmore College (US)
The Fueling Greatness Award
Recognizing organizations that have achieved exceptional results by reaching or surpassing ambitious goals in support of their mission.
Finalists:
- Alzheimer Society of Ontario (Canada)
- Mary Immaculate Catholic Parish & School (US)
- Paws for Patrick (US)
- Richard Bland College Foundation (US)
The Futurist Award
Recognizing organizations that are preparing for what’s next by embracing innovation, exploring emerging technologies, and building for the future.
Finalists:
- Australian National University (Australia)
- Boston University (US)
- Durham University (UK)
- ServiceNow (US)
- University of Manitoba (Canada)
- University of Nebraska Foundation (US)
The Outstanding Leadership Award
Recognizing leaders whose vision, dedication, and commitment have driven measurable impact within their organizations and communities.
Finalists:
- Michelle Edgerton, Executive Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer, YMCA of the North (US)
- Leah Markham, Executive Director Community Relations, Mizuho Americas (US)
- Anne Posey, CEO, Tykes and Teens, Inc. (US)
- Jennifer Sniderman, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Wesco International (US)
- Sherrie C. Snipes, CEO, Charleston Promise Neighborhood (US)
The Rising Star Award
Recognizing ambitious individuals at manager-level or below (non-executive or director level) who demonstrate exceptional potential in their field.
Finalists:
- Taha Bhatti, Data Analyst and BI Developer, Skidmore College (US)
- Leah Cooper, Program Manager, MillerKnoll Foundation (US)
- Jenni Cornella, Donor Data Specialist, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver (US)
- Lauren Gooley, Head of CRM Implementation, Imperial College London (UK)
- Hayley Kenward, Individual Giving Manager, St. Wilfrid’s Hospice (UK)
- Lynn Kenyon, Database & Insights Manager, Neurological Foundation of New Zealand (New Zealand)
- James Macgraw, Database Assistant, St. Raphael’s Hospice (UK)
- Sam Ovais, Fundraising CRM Manager, Vision Australia (Australia)