CRM company Blackbaud has entered the mobile fundraising market in force with the launch of a mobile platform in the UK.

Blackbaud Mobile, launched this morning in London, supports charities engagement with supporters via mobile for donations as well as a broader range of communications.

The service, which is tied in with the company’s most well known product The Raiser’s Edge, will allow for basic text giving, but will also enable charities to text their supporters also with updates, volunteering opportunities and the like. The product also provides gift aid recovery on all gifts and is designed to give charities contact information about people who engage with them via mobile.  

Blackbaud believes that the product will push forward the maturation of the mobile fundraising market. Mark Grisdale, Blackbaud Europe’s commercial director: “So far, mobile fundraising has been the modern equivalent of the collection tin – anonymous with no chance for continued engagement.”

Robert McAllen, Blackbaud Europe European markets product manager, said: “With over 60m mobiles to reach out to in the UK and successes like Comic Relief raising £15.1m this year via mobile, it is time mobile comes to par with other fundraising channels.”