Blackbaud Honored for Ethical AI Leadership by Responsible AI Institute

Blackbaud, a leader in AI-driven solutions tailored for social impact, has recently achieved significant milestones that reinforce its promise to responsible AI. The company has earned three verification badges from the Responsible AI Institute, showcasing its dedication to ethical practices in agentic AI, generative AI, and machine learning.

Acknowledgment from the Responsible AI Institute

This recognition comes in the wake of an independent evaluation of Blackbaud's AI practices. These practices align with internationally recognized frameworks such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, ISO/IEC standards, and OWASP guidelines for large language models. Such validation emphasizes Blackbaud’s commitment to embedding governance, security, and accountability into its AI development process from the very outset.

Building Trust with Transparency

According to Carrie Cobb, Blackbaud’s Chief Data and AI Officer, trust in AI's capabilities is increasingly crucial as organizations navigate the accompanying opportunities and challenges. She remarked, “Our approach is grounded in transparency, practical safeguards, and continuous improvement, allowing our customers to adopt Blackbaud AI with confidence.”

Enhancing Resources for Customers and Community

In addition to its recognition, Blackbaud is working to enhance its responsible AI resources aimed at benefiting both its customers and the wider social impact community. Key initiatives include:

• A revamped Responsible AI webpage that provides insights into Blackbaud’s AI solution design and deployment processes.
• Active participation in the AI Coalition for Social Impact, which promotes collaboration on shared learning and standards within the industry.
• Launch of the AI for Social Impact Certification, a flagship program designed to equip professionals with the knowledge to responsibly utilize AI.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy that marries innovation with accountability, enabling social impact organizations to utilize AI in secure and transparent ways that align with their missions.

The Future of Responsible AI

Sudip Datta, Blackbaud’s Chief Product Officer, emphasized the necessity for organizations to have more than just advanced technology. “Organizations need confidence in how AI is built and used,” he stated. Blackbaud’s commitment lies in empowering customers with the necessary tools and the trust essential for responsibly advancing their objectives.

Moving forward, Blackbaud plans to continuously refine its responsible AI frameworks further, enhancing its suite of resources, partnerships, and validation efforts. This commitment ensures that both innovation and trust develop in tandem to better support social impact initiatives across various sectors.