Case Study: Van Andel Institute achieves 360-degree donor insights and streamlined supporter management with Blackbaud

Van Andel Institute - Customer Case Study

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent biomedical research and science-education organization in Grand Rapids, Michigan, supporting more than 360 scientists, educators, and staff through research into diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s. Despite strong local recognition, VAI struggled to expand awareness beyond its region and lacked staff capacity to nurture hundreds of donor relationships, leaving gift officers stretched thin and donor engagement inconsistent.

VAI implemented Blackbaud’s integrated suite—including Raiser’s Edge NXT, Luminate Online, TeamRaiser and related tools—to centralize donor data, streamline meeting prep, identify and reengage prospects, and unify event and giving information. The result: a true 360-degree view of supporters, improved analytics and team collaboration, significant growth in subscribers, more personalized communications, and more effective cultivation and stewardship across the organization.

Van Andel Institute

Justin Ewald

Purple Community Coordinator