Blackboard Partnerships Program FAQs

For Prospective Partners

1. What are the benefits of becoming a Blackboard Partner?

   Through the Blackboard Partnerships Program, we work with partners to customize a partnership offering designed to achieve their specific goals and objectives, whether expanding their customer base, increasing adoption, or reducing their cost of delivering seamlessly connected digital solutions.

   If you’re a content provider or have a technology solution, an established business, or a start-up, our partnerships program provides a solid platform for success.

2. How do I integrate with Blackboard products?

   To integrate with Blackboard, our partners use the IMS Global Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) standard and REST APIs.

   Our commitment to the IMS Standards First initiative allows commercial software vendors and non-profit organizations to develop customizations and integrations that enhance online campus experiences worldwide. You can find additional details on our Blackboard Developer Portal and our Blackboard Developer Documentation website.

3. Who currently partners with Blackboard?

   We have an impressive list of partners that spans global leaders to innovative thinkers. View our complete Partner Directory.

4. What are the different partnership tiers?

   We offer five defined partnership tiers: Community, Developer Network (DN), Bronze, Silver, and Gold—each designed to help you better serve clients and meet company goals.

   Are you looking for something beyond these tiers? We will work with prospective partners to define a strategic partnership that meets your precise needs.

5. What are marketing activity credits?

   Partners at the Bronze or above tiers get a certain number of marketing credits to use throughout the contract year on various joint marketing activities.

6. How much does it cost to become a partner?

   Each partnership tier has a different price point.

   • Our Community Partner tier is free and open to all Blackboard partners. Join our Community tier.
   • Our Developer’s Network (DN) tier starts at $3,000 annually. The DN tier is available to any partner integrating with Blackboard. You can sign up now for the DN.
   • For pricing on our Bronze, Silver, and Gold partner tiers and additional strategic partnership tiers, complete our partner intake form and tell us about your company and goals, and we’ll reach out with more details.

7. Is there a discounted price for non-profit organizations?

   Yes, we offer a discounted rate on our Developer Network partnerships for academic and non-profit organizations. To apply the discount, you will need an authorization code. Apply and get more details now.

8. Do partners have access to additional resources?

   Yes. Select partnership tiers can access resources such as a New Partner Start-up Kit with instructions on setting up your development server, a designated marketing manager, and custom marketing activities. We also provide access to our Developer Network for documentation and other integration resources and the opportunity to be listed on the Blackboard Partner Directory.

9. I’m interested in participating in your annual user conference. How can I learn more?

   Sponsorship of Building Blackboard Together, our premier EdTech event, is reserved for current partners.

10. How do I become a partner?

    We encourage you to review our offerings and apply. Please submit the appropriate partner form to join our program.

11. How do I follow up with my partnership inquiry or application?

    If it has been five or more business days since you inquired or applied, please email us at partners@blackboard.com.

For Current Partners

1. Who do I contact for technical support?

   All paid partnerships include technical support; please submit a case on Blackboard Support. Community partnerships do not encompass technical support.

2. How can I promote my Blackboard partnership?

   Bronze, Silver, and Gold Partners receive a Go-to-Market Toolkit and the opportunity to collaborate with your Blackboard Partner Manager on joint marketing activities.

3. What types of marketing/press materials require Blackboard approval before publishing?

   All press and marketing materials must be reviewed and approved before publishing. Kindly send all materials to your assigned Partner Manager or contact our team at partners@blackboard.com.

4. I’m interested in participating in your annual user conference. How can I learn more?

   Building Blackboard Together, our premier EdTech event, is one we hope you will consider sponsoring. We also offer special financial sponsorship incentives for our Silver and above partners. For more information on becoming a sponsor, view our Building Blackboard Together website.

5. I have a Blackboard LMS Building Block integration. What do I need to know?

   Our Blackboard LMS Building Block support policy is changing in favor of REST APIs, LTI, and Partner Cloud. Please see full details of our announcement on the Blackboard Community site and Blackboard Support.

   For all other inquiries, please email us at partners@blackboard.com.