Turning Insight into Record-Breaking Results

Turning Insight into Record-Breaking Results

When the University of Indianapolis earned a Blackbaud Impact Award, it reflected a transformation already underway—one defined by ambition, data, and momentum. For the advancement team, “fueling greatness” isn’t just a theme. It’s how they operate—setting bigger goals and moving faster to achieve them.

That approach has already delivered historic results. The university recorded two consecutive record-breaking fundraising years, surpassing $10 million annually for the first time in its history—including a year with $16 million secured.

What changed wasn’t just the outcome. It was how they got there. Where fundraising once relied heavily on instinct, the team now uses Blackbaud solutions to guide decisions with data—bringing together Raiser’s Edge NXT®, Fundraiser Performance Management™, and Blackbaud NetCommunity™ into one connected strategy.

As Vice President of Advancement Philip Thornton puts it, it’s helped “take the guesswork out of it.” That shift is opening doors to opportunities that might otherwise go unseen. In one case, predictive analytics surfaced an alum who had been disconnected from the university for 25 years. After a single meeting, that connection turned into something unprecedented: a conversation about creating an endowed scholarship—marking a first for the institution.

Moments like these are no longer left to chance. With better insight into donors and engagement, the team can focus their time where it matters most—building meaningful relationships that lead to lasting impact. As they continue to deepen their use of data, the University of Indianapolis isn’t just building on its success. It’s redefining what’s possible.