Blackbaud Newsroom

Blackbaud Signs Pledge to Respect Student Data Privacy

Company signs K-12 school service providers pledge to safeguard student information

Charleston, S.C. (April 22, 2015) – Blackbaud, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLKB), a leading global provider of software and services for the nonprofit, charitable giving and education communities, has signed the Student Privacy Pledge created by the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) and the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). FPF and SIIA developed the Pledge to safeguard student privacy in the collection, maintenance and use of personal information.

The Student Privacy Pledge for K-12 school service providers outlines a set of clear and concise expectations that parents and education officials have for safeguarding student data. U.S. Representatives Luke Messer (R-IN) and Jared Polis (D-CO) gathered with school service providers, education organizations and other stakeholders to develop the Pledge with FPF and SIIA.

“Blackbaud is committed to protecting sensitive student data and security,” said Travis Warren, president of Blackbaud’s K-12 Private Schools Group. “The Pledge will better inform our customers, service providers and the general public of our dedication to protecting student privacy.” The Pledge details ongoing industry practices that meet (and in some cases, exceed) all federal requirements, and encourages service providers to more clearly articulate their data privacy practices.

In its role as a K-12 school service provider, Blackbaud commits to:

  • Not sell student information
  • Not disclose student information for use in behaviorally targeted advertising
  • Use data for authorized educational purposes only
  • Not change school service provider privacy policies without notice and choice
  • Enforce time limits on retention of student data
  • Support parental access to, and correction of errors in, their children’s information
  • Maintain a comprehensive security program
  • Be transparent about collection and use of student data

For more information about the Pledge and how to support it, visit www.studentprivacypledge.org.

About Blackbaud

Serving the nonprofit, charitable giving and education communities for more than 30 years, Blackbaud (NASDAQ:BLKB) combines technology solutions and expertise to help organizations achieve their missions. Blackbaud works in over 60 countries to support more than 30,000 customers, including nonprofits, K12 private and higher education institutions, healthcare organizations, foundations and other charitable giving entities, and corporations. The company offers a full spectrum of cloud and on-premise solutions, and related services for organizations of all sizes, including nonprofit fundraising and relationship management, eMarketing, advocacy, accounting, payments and analytics, as well as grant management, corporate social responsibility, education and other solutions. Using Blackbaud technology, these organizations raise, invest, manage and award more than $100 billion each year. Recognized as a top company, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Ireland and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com.

Media Contact
Nicole McGougan
Public Relations
843.654.3307
nicole.mcgougan@blackbaud.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.