Blackbaud Welcomes 12 Innovative Startups to its Social Good Tech Accelerator

Blackbaud has announced the selection of 12 early-stage software ventures for its latest Social Good Startup Program cohort, an accelerator designed to address challenges within the social impact sector. This group of startups features a diverse range of founders, with 61% coming from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in the technology industry. The initiative aims to scale innovative solutions that help nonprofits and socially responsible businesses maximize their operational efficiency and fundraising potential. By integrating these new technologies into its ecosystem, Blackbaud continues to foster a pipeline of tools specifically designed to accelerate measurable progress for purpose-driven organizations.

The January 2026 cohort includes 12 globally distributed teams led by founders with extensive experience in the nonprofit and technology sectors. According to Lizzie Schaffer, General Manager of the Social Good Startup Program, these startups are focused on building products that will help Blackbaud customers raise more funds and improve constituent engagement. The program emphasizes diversity, noting that a majority of the current founders represent voices often excluded from tech innovation. This focus aligns with the broader industry trend of seeking more inclusive solutions to social challenges.

Since its inception in 2020, the Social Good Startup Program has supported 77 startups that have collectively raised more than $230 million in funding. The program boasts a significant 86% success rate, with 66 of the participating companies still in operation today, which far exceeds the typical tech startup survival rate of less than 50%. These participants have contributed over 40 new solutions to the Blackbaud Marketplace, providing nonprofits with a wider array of integrated tools for fundraising, financial management, and digital giving.

Participants in the accelerator receive nondilutive grant funding, tailored growth plans, and direct access to Blackbaud’s resources and customer base for product feedback. Later this year, the founders will participate in the Social Good Startup Showcase to pitch their ideas to industry leaders and will be invited to Blackbaud’s annual tech conference in Columbus, Ohio, from September 29 to October 1. These opportunities are designed to help early-stage companies refine their products and establish critical partnerships within the social impact ecosystem.

This initiative reflects Blackbaud's strategic role as a catalyst for innovation in the social impact space by connecting visionary founders with established software infrastructure. Rosalyn Lemieux, Director of Product Management and Strategy, noted that the program helps scale solutions that empower organizations to achieve their missions more effectively. As the sector increasingly relies on AI and advanced software to manage over $100 billion in annual funds, the success of these startups is vital for the continued evolution of nonprofit technology and corporate social responsibility efforts.