Blackbaud has announced it will make a multi-year, six-figure gift to Project Drawdown® to advance climate solutions around the world. Project Drawdown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a leader in science-based climate solutions research, communications and engagement—informing, inspiring and influencing current and future climate leaders.
Project Drawdown’s mission is to help the world reach “drawdown”—the point in the future when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline, thereby stopping catastrophic climate change—as quickly, safely, and equitably as possible.
“Blackbaud provides technology and data-driven solutions that enable our customers to help good take over,” said Rachel Hutchisson, vice president, global social responsibility, Blackbaud. “Our vision is to connect an Ecosystem of Good® that builds a better world, and the need for education and action around climate change is part of that ecosystem. As Blackbaud continues to invest in ESG practices, our work with Project Drawdown will help us reduce our own impact on the environment while also allowing us to engage change agents around the world.”
“With the support of companies that truly want to make a difference, we can work towards long-term change that is real and lasting,” said Jonathan Foley, executive director, Project Drawdown. “We are excited to partner with Blackbaud to create global dialogue, enact systems change and build a safer climate future.”
Project Drawdown develops special programs and initiatives to increase awareness of climate solutions, shift attitudes regarding climate change and spark climate-related action. Storytelling plays a critical role in bringing climate solutions to life, and Project Drawdown’s goal is to show that everyone has a role to play when it comes to addressing the climate crisis, with a particular focus on surfacing underrepresented voices.
Blackbaud’s gift will support Project Drawdown’s efforts to reach educators, students, professionals and a general audience of individual change agents interested in climate change and solutions. This will be accomplished through special programming including the Project Drawdown Dialogues webinar series and Drawdown’s Neighborhood video series that shines a light on inspiring individuals advancing climate solutions across the U.S., along with other special projects to be developed this year.
These projects will explore various themes, including:
- Pathways to climate careers
- Collaboration across geographies and sectors to reach climate goals
- The role of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in climate solutions
- Hope and opportunities for positive climate change
- Individual action paired with systems change
- Personal and community resilience
As a company powering social good, Blackbaud has been committed to giving back from day one. Blackbaud continues to grow its ESG program and is a participant in the UN Global Compact, focused on aligning business activity to the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). Project Drawdown will partner with Blackbaud to consult on Blackbaud’s environmental strategy and will provide educational opportunities for Blackbaud employees on how to apply climate solutions in their own lives and how to become climate advocates. Blackbaud’s global social responsibility program serves as a catalyst for employee volunteering and giving, and engagement with Project Drawdown will provide a new opportunity for the company’s global employees to get involved in a cause they care about.
Learn more about ways that Blackbaud gives back here and in the company’s most recent Social Responsibility Report.