Were you there, at bbcon 2019 – the alternative fundraising conference ?
The 11th bbcon fundraising conference held on the 14th and 15th of October was the biggest to date. Over 350 delegates from 150 organisations gathered to learn, share and be inspired by today’s trends and tomorrow’s tech innovations.
Hosted by Blackbaud, bbcon provided a great opportunity for delegates to learn alongside their peers how to utilise innovative technology to achieve their fundraising objectives. Increasingly the nonprofit sector turns to technology to help raise money, manage their processes and complete the circle that starts with a mission and ends with impact.
Speakers to note
The founder of Creative Innovation, Tania De Jong, opened the conference and shared how she is fulfilling her personal mission of changing the world, one voice at a time. Delegates explored how to create impactful community events, build a sustainable grants program and better engage their supporters. An international soprano, her voice is amazing, and she encouraged us all to feel the same about our own voices and the people around us.
Tim Paris, CEO of Dataro, was a highlight for the data crowd. He explained how a combination of predictive analytics, propensity modelling and machine learning would improve fundraising returns.
Annabelle Chauncy, the founder and CEO of School for Life (a previous client), took the crowd on a more personal journey as she highlighted the struggles and ultimate success of her organisation. Creating effective change is never easy, but through innovation and drive, Annabelle overcame adversity, built a school and an organisation that helps communities help themselves.
Our very own Jo Garner (Director of Strategic Grants) delivered an informative and motivating presentation on ‘Building and Sustaining a Grants Program’. Talking through the essential elements of building, growing and sustaining an effective grant and tender seeking program.
Deng Thiak Adut closed the two days with a keynote that will long be remembered. He has been many things in his life, child soldier, refugee, community leader, defence lawyer, but above all, now; he is an inspiring Australian.
Learnings from bbcon 2019
Funding uncertainty can detract from an organisation achieving its’ mission and makes it harder to deliver the programs that have a real impact. Technology helps people make a difference, data and machine learning can streamline fundraising and make not for profits more sustainable.
Blackbaud hosted an inspiring event and showcased fantastic partners who integrate with their products. The future of Raiser Edge NXT is exciting, and the opportunities it will give NFPs to target their fundraising and diversify their funding sources will help create sustainable organisations that can fulfil their missions.