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Blackbaud Institute Releases New Research on Charitable Support Trends Across Generations in Australia and New Zealand

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Financial Donations Lead as Most Impactful Support Method Across Generations, but Volunteering and Advocacy Remain Vital

SYDNEY, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Blackbaud Institute, a sector research lab at Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, has released a new report, Charitable Support Across Generations in Australia and New Zealand, that provides insights into the evolving charitable behaviors and support preferences of Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers. Through survey responses from over 1,000 participants, this comprehensive study uncovers generational attitudes toward nonprofit support, identifying factors influencing giving and highlighting the unique challenges facing the nonprofit sector in a dynamic philanthropic landscape.

The findings reveal that, across all generations, monetary donations remain the most impactful way to support causes. However, Gen Z places a high value on volunteering and advocacy, reflecting a shift toward active engagement beyond financial contributions. While health, animal welfare, and children’s causes remain widely supported, each generation brings unique perspectives and priorities to their charitable activities.

“Understanding the motivations and preferred support methods of each generation is essential, especially in a time of rising economic pressures,” said Kevin Sher, president and general manager of Blackbaud’s operations in Asia Pacific. “Our findings show that while financial support is universally valued, younger generations—particularly Gen Z—are redefining their approach to social impact through direct engagement in volunteerism and advocacy. Older generations, who are typically more financially established, donated the most, highlighting the continued importance of engaging Gen Xers and Boomers in the next decade. By adapting to generational supporting trends, nonprofits can deepen connections across age groups.”

Key Findings from the Report:

Generational Support Preferences: While financial donations lead across generations, Gen Z demonstrates a notable emphasis on volunteering (47%), and Boomers are more inclined to promote causes they care about. These insights suggest varied but complementary approaches to support.Top Influencing Factors: Trust, belief in the mission, and perceived urgency drive support across all generations. Transparency and privacy are especially important for younger generations, shaping their expectations for nonprofit communication.Barriers to Support: Economic constraints and time limitations are significant deterrents. A notable number of Gen Z and Millennial respondents report hesitancy due to concerns about nonprofit transparency and impact, underscoring the need for nonprofits to communicate their effectiveness.Acknowledgement Preferences: Email remains the most preferred form of recognition. However, Millennials and Gen Z value public recognition and detailed impact reporting, emphasising the importance of digital and personalised nonprofit engagement.

The report further provides actionable recommendations for nonprofits to effectively engage supporters across generations, including strategies to build trust, enhance volunteer programs, and diversify donation methods to meet evolving preferences. Get more information on Charitable Support Across Generations and access the full report here.

bbcon 2024 Sydney 
Publication of the new report follows the success of Blackbaud’s recent bbcon Sydney event, hosted in October. Over 100 Blackbaud customers, technology partners, expert speakers and Blackbaud staff attended the event to hear about the major waves of innovation that will transform the future of social impact for Blackbaud’s customers in the Australia and across the Asia Pacific region.

These announcements included a host of AI-powered solutions, enhanced functionality of Blackbaud’s core fundraising product, integrated payments experiences to help organisations raise and save more, and more flexibility to help customers extend their Blackbaud software. Breakout sessions provided the opportunity for delegates to hear best practices for fundraising, grantmaking, and corporate impact, as well as network with like-minded peers.

To learn more about Blackbaud’s most recent innovation, visit www.blackbaud.com.au/newsroom.

About Blackbaud Institute
The Blackbaud Institute develops leading-edge research and convenes expert voices to equip the social impact community with knowledge, insight, and confidence. The Blackbaud Institute draws from Blackbaud’s data set, the most comprehensive in the social impact community. In addition, the Institute facilitates public research studies to drive original qualitative and quantitative insight. Our research agenda is grounded in a commitment to topics that social impact organisations can apply immediately to better understand, benchmark, and improve their essential business operations. We are guided by our commitment to the social impact sector to provide timely, transparent, and well-rounded research that is free to access. From how organisations run to how donors give, we’re 100% focused on research and resources for this sector.

About Blackbaud
Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud’s essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud’s solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organisations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, Quartz’s list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica and the United Kingdom, supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com.au or follow us on X/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; 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.

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SKYWORTH Solar Announces Global Launch of Solavita as a Smart Microgrid Brand

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SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SKYWORTH Solar has officially announced the global launch of Solavita, its dedicated brand for smart microgrid solutions. Positioned strategically as “A Smart Microgrid Expert for Diverse Energy Scenarios,” Solavita consolidates the company’s extensive solution portfolio and service infrastructure under a unified global identity, building upon its rapidly expanding international footprint.

Addressing Grid Flexibility and Long-Term System Value

The launch comes as electricity systems face growing demands for flexibility. The International Energy Agency’s 2026 mid-year electricity update highlights the importance of flexible resources and more efficient use of infrastructure as renewable generation expands. For customers, the priorities vary by market: managing electricity costs, using more locally generated solar power, or maintaining essential loads where grid supply is unreliable.

“As renewable energy becomes more distributed, the long-term performance of the whole system becomes increasingly important,” said Fan Ruiwu, Chairman of SKYWORTH Solar. “We see that performance as the foundation of our international energy business. With Solavita, we are bringing our capabilities together around a common approach to solution development and service, while working with local partners to adapt delivery to each market. Our focus is on the value these systems provide throughout their life.”

Solutions for Different Energy Needs

To address the dual challenges of grid volatility and operational cost, Solavita engineers its systems around a core architectural philosophy prioritizing grid-forming stability, intelligent automation, cross-generation efficiency, and multi-tier security. Translating these technical principles into practical applications, the brand introduces a comprehensive solution matrix tailored to specific market demands.

For residential users, the SolaHome suite utilizes an advanced Home Energy Management System (HEMS) to seamlessly coordinate rooftop solar, battery storage, and flexible domestic loads like heat pumps and EV chargers. In markets with dynamic electricity tariffs, such as Germany, HEMS automates energy dispatch to capitalize on low-price periods. This practical value is evidenced by a recent residential installation in Jesteburg, Germany, combines 18.9 kW of rooftop solar with 20.48 kWh of battery storage. Solavita reports nearly €50 in electricity-price arbitrage benefits during the first month of dynamic-tariff operation.

Expanding beyond the home, the portfolio scales up with SolaBiz, which integrates distributed solar, commercial storage, and smart dispatch to help factories and retail spaces manage peak-demand costs and safeguard against grid disruptions.

For larger utility and off-grid demands, SolaMatrix delivers scalable, containerized storage and microgrid management focused on stabilizing renewable integration in weak grid environments.

Finally, ensuring energy access in highly mobile contexts, SolaGo offers plug-and-play balcony solar and portable power systems for outdoor activities and critical emergency backup, completing Solavita’s end-to-end coverage of modern energy applications.

Global Engineering Foundation and Ecosystem Delivery

To guarantee the reliable implementation and long-term asset value of these diverse solutions, SKYWORTH Solar underpins Solavita with a robust global engineering foundation.

On the technology front, the Smart Microgrid Technology Centre connects cutting-edge research with product engineering, supported by academic collaborations with Tianjin University and Hainan University. This pipeline is further strengthened by a comprehensive Haikou test platform—scheduled for commissioning by the end of 2026—to rigorously validate grid-connected, islanded, and grid-forming systems.

The InfraCosmos Digital Platform supports lifecycle data management, operational monitoring and fault identification. It connects system information with service and maintenance, helping teams monitor performance and respond to operating issues.

Beyond hardware and software, this foundation extends to flexible supply chain execution and strategic project delivery. Solavita employs F+D+EPC+O (Financing, Development, Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Operations) framework for large-scale, asset-light project coordination, alongside a localized PD2C cooperation model actively deployed in markets like Germany and Italy to ensure rapid, market-specific service.

These capabilities underpin Solavita’s positioning as a smart microgrid expert, connecting system development with local delivery and ongoing service. The aim is to make integrated energy systems practical to deploy and support in each market.

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SOURCE SKYWORTH Solar

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TCL Donates Ultra-Low-Power Display System to the Youth Olympic Village, Bringing Advanced Display Technology to Everyday Use

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The donation of the display, featuring TCL CSOT’s high-brightness Field Sequential Color technology, continues TCL’s long-term commitment to the African market

DAKAR, Senegal, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TCL, a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, donated an ultra-low-power display system powered by solar energy to Université Amadou Mahtar Mbow (UAM) in Senegal. Delivering outdoor brightness at roughly half the power consumption of comparable displays, the system will serve as an information hub on the UAM campus, which will also serve as the Youth Olympic Village during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Attendees at the donation ceremony included IOC President, Kirsty Coventry; UAM President, Professor Mababa Diagne; Senegal Higher Education Minister, Boubacar Camara; TCL Charity Ambassador, Jacky Heung; and General Manager of TCL Industries’ Middle East and Africa Marketing Division, Naimin Yang.

“Powered by TCL’s advanced display technology, this new display system will create new possibilities for our campus facilities and support development for both students and faculty,” said Professor Diagne.

Advanced Display Technology Delivers Best in Brightness and Efficiency

The donated system features a TCL CSOT 75-inch high-brightness Field Sequential Color (FSC) display capable of delivering 4,000-nit brightness at approximately 300W. By eliminating conventional color filters and generating color through the sequential switching of red, green and blue light, FSC technology enhances light utilization with transmittance over 15%.

The technology reflects TCL CSOT’s continued pursuit of improved display performance and energy efficiency, bringing advanced screens into everyday settings through TCL’s broader Screen Universe vision. Installed at UAM, the display will serve as an outdoor information hub, remaining bright and clear even in direct sunlight.

TCLArt and TCLYoung Champion Local Art and the Next Generation of Creators

Beyond technology, TCL also supports local culture in Dakar through its art-focused initiative, TCLArt. TCL participates in the Yeesal urban art initiative, which works with Senegalese artists and communities to create large-scale public murals. The project supports 43 artists, especially creators under 35, whose works draw inspiration from African athletes, cultural diversity, and youth aspirations. These murals will become permanent features of Dakar’s urban landscape, celebrating local creativity while reflecting TCL’s commitment to the next generation of creative talent through TCLYoung.

From Local Presence to Shared Growth: TCL Deepens its Footprint in Africa

Both the donation and Yeesal partnership build on a presence in Africa stretching back more than two decades. TCL first entered the African market in 2004. Today, TCL TVs and home appliances are sold in nearly 50 African countries across the continent, supported by six sales subsidiaries and three regional business units. TCL continues to strengthen its retail presence across the region, including with the opening of the first TCL brand experience store in Africa in Johannesburg, and the establishment of its own retail and distribution channel in Kenya.

Through its established business network and localized operations, TCL continues to build closer connections with African customers and consumers, combining global technological capabilities with a deeper understanding of local markets to better serve people across the region.

About TCL

Founded in 1981, TCL is dedicated to empowering smarter, healthier lifestyles through next-generation experiences.

Today, with 50 R&D centers and 47 manufacturing bases globally, TCL operates in over 160 countries and regions, reinforcing its position as a globally competitive smart technology brand. To further inspire greatness, TCL has become an official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in the Home Audiovisual Equipment and Home Appliances category.

https://www.tcl.com/global/en

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SOURCE TCL Technology Group Corporation

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GAC Wins 8 Awards, Including 4 First Prizes, Showcasing Technological Innovation Strength

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SUZHOU, China, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 28, GAC won 8 awards at the 2026 China-SAE Science and Technology Award ceremony in Suzhou, Jiangsu. In the fields of automotive chips, electric drive, vehicle safety, intelligent driving governance and body design, four first prizes were awarded to two GAC-led projects and two GAC-participated projects, and one GAC-led project won second prize.

In chips, GAC’s led project built a full-chain path from vehicle definition to scale application, working with 105 partners to apply nearly 400 chip models and over 1,000 domestic chips. The HYPTEC GT Special Edition, China’s first ICV with 100% domestically designed chips, has been launched.

In electric drive, GAC pioneered mass production of amorphous alloy stators and carbon-fiber high-speed rotors, becoming the world’s only company to mass-produce amorphous alloy automotive motors. Its amorphous ribbon is just 0.025 mm thick. The motor reaches 99.03% peak efficiency, 17.29 kW/kg power density (@1000V)—nearly three times the industry mainstream—and 30,000 rpm maximum speed; system CLTC efficiency reaches 94.184%. For users, energy consumption drops 4%, and range rises 30-50 km with the same battery capacity. It has been applied to HYPTEC, AION and AISTALAND models and promoted to other automakers. The related precision manufacturing technology won the Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.

In safety, the GAC-led project with Tsinghua University won second prize. It developed China’s first ASIL-D fully domestic safety controller, real-time risk quantification, active-suspension side-impact mitigation, a rear-window airbag and an “automaker-traffic police-hospital” integrated rescue model. It has been applied to 20 models with cumulative sales of 1.446 million units.

In addition, GAC’s participated L2-L4 safety governance project helped establish a full-lifecycle system covering pre-admission, in-process supervision and post-event traceability. Its participated BIW project features an AI-based body design system that generates concept schemes within 5 hours, with over 95% stiffness prediction accuracy and over 30% higher design efficiency; it has been applied to the second-generation GAC GS8, GAC ES9 and GAC All-new S7.

Looking ahead, GAC will uphold innovation-driven development, advance core technology breakthroughs and commercialization, and support high-quality development of China’s auto industry.

For further information about GAC, please visit: https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social.

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SOURCE GAC

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