ATHENS – Athens State University is collaborating with the autonomous fundraising platform Givzey | Version2.ai to launch a virtual engagement officer.
This tool will help the university engage its stakeholders more widely to provide support for its mission.
As the first institution in Alabama to launch a VEO, Athens State is partnering with more than 100 other nonprofits and educational institutions to explore this concept.
“As a relatively small public university with a 200 year history, the sheer number of alumni and friends in our database far exceeds our ability to engage at a meaningful level,” said Dr. Keith Ferguson, vice president for university advancement. “The Givzey | Version2 Virtual Engagement Officer provides a unique opportunity to utilize artificial intelligence to support our gift officers and expand donor engagement beyond our current capabilities.
“As the first higher education institution in Alabama to join the Version2 effort, we are excited to see how this technology impacts our donor related outcomes.”
A Virtual Engagement Officer is an AI-driven autonomous fundraising tool built to expand and personalize donor engagement at scale.
Athens State’s VEO, Anna Claire, is powered by artificial intelligence. This technology is the first of its kind and is being developed to help the university accelerate its efforts to support its students, faculty and community.
Working in partnership with Athens State’s Advancement Office, VEOs help strengthen relationships, improve donor retention, and boost overall giving — ensuring every donor receives timely messaging.
The VEO analyzes, learns, and acts strategically to manage donor portfolios and advance engagement. Unlike traditional digital outreach that depends on broad email blasts, the VEO uses AI-guided moves management to cultivate donors through personalized, thoughtful interactions delivered across multiple communication channels.
What the VEO does:
- Shares approved information using Athens State’s web pages and content
- Personalizes messages based on donor data Athens State provides
- Operates within strict safeguards and approval controls
What the VEO does not do:
- Strategize independently
- Make decisions
- Replace human stewardship
- Access outside data or systems
Version2 stores all donor data on encrypted, access-controlled servers. No donor information is used to train external AI models, and no third parties receive unfettered access. All interactions can be reviewed by internal staff.
Givzey is an Intelligent Gift Documentation Management Platform for nonprofits, enhancing fundraising efficiency, donor experience, and financial audits.
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