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The Blackbaud Institute Releases Annual Benchmarking Data to Empower Social Good Organizations

February 24, 2020 by 1 Comment
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Eighth annual Charitable Giving Report reveals continued growth of online and mobile donations

Charleston, S.C. (February 18, 2020) — The Blackbaud Institute, a research division of Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good, today releases its eighth annual Charitable Giving Report, offering benchmarking data based on the largest analysis of overall and online giving statistics for social good organizations. Through the Charitable Giving Report, the Blackbaud Institute is equipping organizations with resources to inform their strategies by enabling them to compare their organization to peers – across size and subsector – and identify areas of strength and opportunity heading into the new year. While this year’s report offers year-over-year statistics on giving consistent with past reports, it also includes deeper analysis of the largest data set of donations and more context around the numbers than ever before to help social good organizations navigate and thrive in the ever-changing charitable giving landscape.

Additional new features to the Charitable Giving Report, include:

  • Insight into how to use trend data to benchmark.
  • Highlights of the practices organizations should be using to ensure they can continue to attract, engage and retain donors to achieve greater success in 2020 and beyond.
  • More data by subsector to provide organizations with a clearer picture of how they’re benchmarking against similar organizations, such as the average gift size and the average online gift size by subsector.
  • A view of the three-year trends in overall and online giving by organization size and subsector to uncover long-term trends.

“We created the Blackbaud Institute to lead groundbreaking research and insights to equip a thriving social good sector for impact. The Charitable Giving Report isn’t just a compilation of interesting statistics, tables and charts—it provides an opportunity to see where giving is—and more importantly where it can go if leaders use this data to inform their decisions,” said Steve MacLaughlin, Blackbaud’s vice president of product management and senior advisor to the Blackbaud Institute. “This year, we’ve taken a broader view of giving trends to provide a more representative perspective of what is happening with charitable giving, and it reveals charitable giving is continuing to evolve with our changing world. In the last year alone, online donations have increased nearly 7% and more than a quarter of those online donations come from a mobile device.”

The 2019 Charitable Giving Report includes giving data from 8,210 nonprofit organizations representing $36.3 billion in fundraising revenue as well as online giving data from 5,204 nonprofit organizations representing $2.7 billion in online fundraising revenue.

Key Giving Trends from the Charitable Giving Report:

  • A 3-year view of fundraising from the same organizations reveals a 5.1% growth in overall giving and an increase of nearly 10% for online donations.
  • Online giving in 2019 grew 6.8% year-over-year for the 5,204 nonprofit organizations in the analysis, while overall giving in 2019 grew 1.0% for the 8,210 nonprofit organizations included in the report.
  • The percentage of fundraising from online giving continues to grow with 8.7% of total fundraising stemming from online giving in 2019. Additionally, small nonprofits continued to show the largest year-over-year growth in percentage of total fundraising stemming from online giving.
  • In 2019, an estimated 26% of online donations were made using mobile devices. This has grown steadily since 2014 when it was just 9% of online donations.
  • While the median donation amount for gifts below $1,000 in the U.S. has remained steady at $20 for years, the median donation amount for gifts above $1,000 in the U.S. has more than doubled since 2016, now clocking in at $2,500.
  • The average donor age in the U.S. remains largely unchanged at 63, which has been consistent since 2016.

Read the full 2019 Charitable Giving Report at BlackbaudInstitute.com/CharitableGiving. In addition to this report, view additional resources from the Blackbaud Institute, including The Explorer, the premier online knowledge base for information and statistics about social good. The Explorer gives users the ability to easily and quickly search and access the social good statistics and best practices that matter to them by pulling the latest data and trends from the sector’s most credible sources. The content is regularly updated and is available free, like all Blackbaud Institute resources, as part of Blackbaud’s give-back philosophy.

About The Blackbaud Institute

The Blackbaud Institute drives research and insight to accelerate the impact of the social good community. It convenes expert partners from across the philanthropic sector to foster diverse perspectives, collective thinking and collaborative solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. Using the most comprehensive data set in the social good community, the Blackbaud Institute and its partners conduct research, uncover strategic insight and share results broadly to drive effective philanthropy at every stage, from fundraising to outcomes. Knowledge is powering the future of social good, and the Blackbaud Institute is an engine of that progress. Learn more, sign up for our newsletter, explore our knowledge base of social good best practices and trends, see the latest quarterly statistics on giving and check out our most recent resources at BlackbaudInstitute.com.

About Blackbaud

Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good. Serving the entire social good community—nonprofits, foundations, companies, education institutions, healthcare organizations and individual change agents—Blackbaud connects and empowers organizations to increase their impact through cloud software, services, expertise and data intelligence. The Blackbaud portfolio is tailored to the unique needs of vertical markets, with solutions for fundraising and CRM, marketing, advocacy, peer-to-peer fundraising, corporate social responsibility, school management, ticketing, grantmaking, financial management, payment processing and analytics. Serving the industry for more than three decades, Blackbaud is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.blackbaud.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media Inquiries

media@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, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. 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 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.

Lowcountry

Charleston Native Faith Schueler Releases New Nashville Produced Album, “One Love Song At a Time” – Check it out today

February 23, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Charleston born and raised Faith Schueler has released a new album that we feel you should be listening to.

“One Love Song at a Time” can be purchased or downloaded on all musical platforms including Spotify and iTunes!

Album Details

This album was recorded and produced in Nashville. Faith co-wrote these songs with Kris Bergsnes who has written for Tim McGraw and many other talented artists as well as singer, songwriter, and musician Jordan Lawhead who has worked with John Mayer and other amazing musicians!

The background vocalist featured on these tracks is Greg Barnhill, who has sung backup vocals for Tim McGraw and other well-known country artists! My producer Greg Bieck in Nashville has worked with artists such as Hall and Oats, Little Big Town, and Christina Aguilera to name a few! 

About Faith

Faith Schueler’s first EP, One Love Song at a Time, is finally here! “One Love Song At A Time” was produced by Nashville producer Greg Bieck (known for Hall & Oates and Little Big Town to name a few). The lyrics and music for her soon to be released the single “Tell Me Everything” was co-written by Faith, Greg Bieck, and Nashville’s singer/songwriter/guitarist Jordan Lawhead. Jordan is also featured as a background vocalist along with Nashville’s Greg Barnhill (Singer/songwriter/musician and background vocalist for Tim McGraw and many other artists). The remaining songs on Faith’s EP were co-written by Faith, Greg Bieck, and Nashville songwriter Kris Bergsnes (songs were written for  Tim McGraw, John Michael Montgomery, and many other artists) and feature Greg Barnhill with background vocals as well. Her songs also feature several of Nashville’s best musicians. ​

Prior to traveling to Nashville to record her upcoming releases, Faith has been singing and performing in her hometown in South Carolina. She has two current singles released on various media platforms that she wrote solo and recorded with producer Elliott Elsey of Charleston, SC who works with artist Daryl Hall and Darius Rucker to name a few. Faith has spent the past 5 years working diligently on her musical passion and continues to work toward her dream and touch lives through her music. She attributes her success to her Christian faith and sings with passion and conviction.  

Lowcountry

Segal Trials Seeking Charleston Area Volunteers for Paid ADHD Research Study

February 23, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Do you or someone you know suffer from ADHD?

Segal Trials is currently conducting a clinical research study evaluating the safety and efficacy of an investigational medication for patients with ADHD.

You May Qualify if:

  • You are between the ages of 18-55
  • You are experiencing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity or both at the same time

Participants who qualify may receive:

  • Study Related Exams & Lab Work at No Cost
  • Investigational Medication
  • Complimentary Transportation
  • Compensation up to $715

There’s no insurance necessary! To learn more, call now toll-free 1-877-734-2588 or visit SegalTrials.com today

Food & Bev - Lowcountry

Grand Opening! Yeamans Hall Canteen: Hanahan Food Truck Park

February 19, 2020 by 0 Comments
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This Leap Day, we’re inviting you to leap on over to Hanahan’s newest venue for an evening of food, fun, and friendship. What better way to spend your extra day!

Saturday, February 29, 2020

Join us for the Grand Opening of Hanahan’s Food Truck Park… the Yeaman’s Hall Canteen!

Charleston’s best food trucks will be onsite serving up all of your favorites in one place. Sit under the stars, listen to live music, and delight in a delicious meal in a family-friendly environment, all without leaving the city limits. There will even be jump castles on hand for your littlest leapers to enjoy!

Can’t wait to see you there!

Lowcountry

Lowcountry Land Trust Expands Popular Springtime Sporting Clays Shoot

February 18, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Event begins with a women’s only shoot, followed by a two-day tournament in Green Pond

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Lowcountry Land Trust is bringing back its annual charity Sporting Clays Shoot and this year’s event is the biggest one yet. The three-day event kicks off with its first Women’s Shoot followed by two days of sporting clays open to the public. This year’s event is at White House Plantation, a private property protected under conservation easement in Green Pond, S.C. 

The Women’s Shoot on Friday, March 27 is an invitation-only event hosting 48 shooters. Following the women’s shoot on the 12-trap clays course, participants will enjoy lunch and a curated “shop and shoot” experience with a select group of vendors, including Grady Ervin, Peggy Watkins Sport and Wildlife Art, Norton + Hodges, Brackish, Holland & Holland, Hallie P. Seibels Fine Portraiture, Margerite and Motte, Caesar Guerini, Krieghoff, Syren, Carolina Millinery Company, and Fieldshop by Garden & Gun.

On Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29, experienced and novice shooters are invited to the ticketed two-day Sporting Clays Shoot presented by Anderson Insurance Associates and PURE Insurance. Guests will shoot a professionally set clays course designed to highlight the host property’s scenic location in the ACE Basin along the Ashepoo River. 

Tickets are $175 each and include a morning or afternoon shoot on either Saturday or Sunday, plus a whole-hog barbecue by Jimmy Fitts, post-shoot refreshments and beverages, including Blade and Bow Bourbon, and a curated shopping experience. For non-shooters, a separate lunch ticket is available for $45. Space is limited and this event is expected to sell out. Purchase tickets at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org. The event is rain or shine. 

White House Plantation is owned by Bill and Linda Demmer. Linda Demmer, an avid shooter herself, has a long-standing interest in historical preservation, conservation and restoration. She is currently restoring and creating habitats for migratory birds, turkey, quail and deer at the 1900-acre White House Plantation, which includes nearly 450 acres protected under a conservation easement. 

“We are thrilled to host Lowcountry Land Trust’s annual charity sporting clays shoot at White House to highlight the importance of conservation in the ACE Basin and to support the growing sporting clays shooting community in the Lowcountry,” Linda Demmer said.

In working with the Demmers to organize the sporting clays shoot, the staff at Lowcountry Land Trust realized how many women are interested in sporting clays. The growing popularity of the sport among women led to the creation of a women’s only event to kick off the weekend tournament. Charleston even has its own chapter of the Annie Oakley’s, the Charleston Annies, who gather at the Kiawah Island Club Sporting Club. 

“We’re excited to expand this popular fundraising event for Lowcountry Land Trust. It allows us to celebrate the talents of local women clay shooters, highlight a magnificent, protected property and raise funds that will help us conserve even more critical land in our state,” said Ashley Demosthenes, president & CEO of Lowcountry Land Trust. 

Lowcountry Land Trust has protected more than 147,000 acres of land across 17 South Carolina counties, including 14.4 miles along the Ashepoo River. In 2019, the Land Trust was involved in the protection of Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, Big Snooks in the Savannah River watershed and two properties in the ACE Basin. 

About Lowcountry Land Trust 

Founded in 1986, the Lowcountry Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to honor the relationship between people and land by protecting irreplaceable Lowcountry lands and treasured places. Lowcountry Land Trust has protected more than 147,000 acres across 17 counties in South Carolina. More information about the Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.  

Lowcountry

New Charleston Deal Alliance Gives Dealmaking Professionals a Place to Connect

February 18, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Launch event scheduled for Feb. 20 in Mount Pleasant 

CHARLESTON, S.C. — A new organization aims to spotlight the fast-growing Charleston region as an attractive and robust market for closing business deals. Charleston Deal Alliance will connect dealmakers so they can compare notes, make new contacts, and identify new business opportunities. 

Charleston Deal Alliance membership is open to individuals and companies in accounting, legal, banking, consulting, recruiting, technology, valuation, and wealth management. With a robust member database, discounts to exclusive events and access to content and information, members will be able to grow their network and increase their profitability.   

Anyone interested in learning more about Charleston Deal Alliance is invited to a launch event from 3:30-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 at the Cooper River Room, 99 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd. in Mount Pleasant. Guests will enjoy cocktails and light refreshments along with a panel discussion on the state of dealmaking in Charleston today.

Andy Brusman, chairman of Charleston Deal Alliance and CEO of investment bank Charles Towne Holdings LLC, said he realized Charleston has been experiencing tremendous growth and has attracted a large number of deal professionals. Yet, until now, there wasn’t a single place where those in the dealmaking community could meet and share resources and information. 

“Charleston is emerging as a financial hub, which means we need to highlight the incredible deal talent that resides here in the Charleston region,” Brusman said. “We are excited to bring all of this under Charleston Deal Alliance and host several events in 2020.”

In addition to Brusman, 11 others have joined as founding members: 

  • Alex Chalmers, Material Capital Partners
  • Bobby Creech, WebsterRogers LLP
  • Herbert Drayton, Vertical Holdings
  • Mike Graney, Charleston Regional Development Alliance
  • Bob Kosian, Capital Solutions Group
  • Todd Kuhl, Sherman Capital Markets
  • Mark Lattanzio, Truist
  • Ron Owens, Evening Post Industries
  • Stevan Rainero, Intermont Group
  • Dave Slenzak, Broadtree Partners
  • Geiza Vargas, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP

Not only are members excited to make connections locally, they are eager for those outside the Charleston region to see what a vibrant community this is. 

“We want Charleston mentioned along with cities like Charlotte, Nashville and Richmond as places to do deals and find investment opportunities,” Brusman said. “We believe an organization like Charleston Deal Alliance will bring attention to our community and the many business opportunities that exist in our local market.”  

Brusman along with Herbert Drayton and Alex Chalmers will be part of a panel discussion on the state of dealmaking in the Charleston region at Thursday’s launch event. Founding board member Bob Kosian will moderate. 

Charleston Deal Alliance has worked closely with Charleston Regional Development Alliance in the creation of this new organization. CRDA signed as the initial sponsor providing the needed seed money to launch the organization and showcase the deals being done in Charleston.

“Charleston Regional Development Alliance’s mission is to build long-term economic prosperity by attracting the world’s best companies, talent and entrepreneurs. Providing connections to financing opportunities and to service providers with the expertise to put deals together furthers that goal, which is why CRDA supports Charleston Deal Alliance,” said Mike Graney, VP, Global Business Development. “The amount and diversity of deal professionals in Charleston may not be widely known yet, but it’s about to be.”

An annual membership is $250 for residents of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties; $350 for others. Annual sponsorship opportunities also are available. Learn more about CDA at charlestondealalliance.com. 

About Charleston Deal Alliance
Dealmakers want to connect with fellow professionals to compare notes, make new contacts and identify new business opportunities. Charleston Deal Alliance provides opportunities for connection and collaboration. Through an online database, events and a shared knowledge base, members expand their network and increase their deal flow. Learn more at charlestondealalliance.com.

Lowcountry

Atlantic Packaging Acquires Coastal Corrugated Custom Packaging Solutions in Charleston, SC

February 17, 2020 by 0 Comments
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WILMINGTON, N.C., Feb. 17, 2020,/PRNewswire/ — Wes Carter, President of Atlantic Corporation of Wilmington, has announced the acquisition of Coastal Corrugated, a 35-year-old family-owned box company located in North Charleston, SC.

“We are excited about the opportunities this move brings to our already diverse company,” said Carter this week, following Atlantic’s annual meeting. “Coastal’s products are consistent with our marketplace focus, especially as it broadens our value proposition to the evolving automotive market. We have looked at corrugated sheet plants before as they are very allied to our converted products offering. This one seemed the right one at the right time.”

Atlantic Corporation, a top tier private company in North Carolina, is a diverse packaging and equipment distributor to consumer products manufacturers throughout North America, the Caribbean, and Central America. The company operates 18 regional facilities east to west as Atlantic Packaging.

Coastal Corrugated manufactures large format corrugated boxes for various manufacturing segments. They further manufacture custom protective packaging components for the automotive industry and its tier-one suppliers.

“South Carolina has invested heavily in recruiting automotive manufacturers to the state and our company is increasingly aligned as a premier partner to these facilities,” says Carter. “Coastal’s ability to design and fabricate protective packaging solutions right here in the low country brings great value and sensible logistics. The North Charleston location connects with our newly opened Packaging Solution Center in Charlotte and the logistics of our existing ten facilities across the Carolinas and Georgia,” he added.

Atlantic is a 70-year-old company headquartered in Wilmington, NC.

About Atlantic Packaging: Atlantic Packaging was founded in 1946 by Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist, W. Horace Carter, and continues to be family-owned and operated. Atlantic serves the unique needs of consumer products manufacturers and offers expertise in packaging equipment and integration as well as high-performance materials for stretch, shrink, strapping, labeling systems, tapes and adhesives, and protective packaging.

SOURCE Atlantic Packaging

Lowcountry

Quality Carriers teams with Boasso America in Charleston SC

February 15, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Quality Carriers Inc, a leading North American bulk chemical carrier, has expanded into the Charleston SC market in partnership with its sister company Boasso America Corporation.

 “Consistent with our previously mentioned strategy to expand our footprint, we are excited to announce our expansion into the Charleston market,” says Randy Strutz, President, Quality Carriers. “When one of our major customers asked us for a solution in this market, we responded by leveraging our existing Boasso intermodal terminal.

 Scott Giroir, president of Boasso, adds: “Since we already have a terminal presence in Charleston, it made sense to expand our service offering into the domestic chemical market to support our sister company’s customers. This allows us to grow our Charleston terminal, while still servicing our traditional ISO tank customers.”

 Gary Enzor, chairman and chief executive officer of parent company Quality Distribution Inc, says: “Going forward we will continue to look for opportunities to leverage the best in class service offerings and strategic market positions of Quality Carriers, Boasso, and QC Energy Resources to meet the needs of customers across our family of companies.”

Lowcountry

Chef Vivian Howard to open first Charleston restaurants

February 15, 2020 by 0 Comments
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Chef Vivian Howard, who gained fame with her PBS series on opening a restaurant in rural North Carolina, is expanding her culinary acumen to the foodie city of Charleston, S.C.

Eater Charleston reports that Howard will open a “casual yet refined” restaurant named Lenoir at the city’s Renaissance Charleston Historic District Hotel.

She also plans to open a bakeshop, Hot + Handy, which will serve grab-and-go foods such as biscuits, hand pies, and sandwiches, per Eater.

Both are expected to open this summer.

Howard owns Chef & the Farmer and the Boiler Room in Kinston, North Carolina where she filmed her series, “A Chef’s Life.” A new series, “Somewhere South,” will premiere March 27 on PBS stations, featuring collaborations with other chefs, including Marcus Samuelsson.

Lowcountry

Love is Everything – Original Poem #CharlestonLove

February 14, 2020 by 0 Comments
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By Mark A. Leon

Love is everything
Everything
Without it, we are invisible

Invisible to the sound of a morning rain
Invisible to the smile of a rose blossoming in Spain
Invisible to the sight of long slow kiss
In this life, there is so much we can miss

Love is enchanting like a warm summer breeze
A tingle, a wink, a sigh, a touch of a cool spring day

It is the reason we rise
The struggle to survive
The euphoria of time
The essence of rhyme

Love breathes
It protects
A blanket so safe

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A song
A whisper
A kind eye

With the simplicity of words
Words spoken in the air
Linger, journey, invite you near

Take hold
Take flight
Find meaning
Stop thinking; just be
A disease infecting my very soul

Love is everything
Meant to be lost
To be found

Hold for a second
A risk
Take a picture
Keep it for all time
It will last forever
With the winds of change, I will be reminded of the smile that has stopped in time

With the strength of a thousand “I Love Yous”
I feel so alive now
So alive with you

You are the escape I have dreamed about
An imaginary world come true

With you, love is everything