Fundraising Is Evolving: Meeting the Moment with Technology and Intention

Lily Johnson
Jun 2
2 min read

Fundraising is evolving. Across the sector, institutions are making intentional changes to better serve their communities—finding ways to stay personal and consistent, even when capacity is limited and expectations are growing.

Cleveland State University Introduces Ava, a Virtual Engagement Officer

Cleveland State University was looking for new ways to stay in touch with their more than 140,000 alumni. Last week, they introduced Ava, their Virtual Engagement Officer with its own portfolio, targets, and metrics that will work alongside their staff to communicate with alumni through timely, relevant two-way conversations that reflect the university’s voice and values.

Local Coverage Signals Broader Impact of AI in Higher Ed Fundraising

As a university widely embraced by the city of Cleveland, Ava’s introduction was covered in a local news story. The coverage is significant because it shows an understanding that will resonate far beyond the fundraising world.

Rethinking Connection in a Tech-Saturated World

Building connections is fundamental to both nonprofit and for-profit businesses. To maximize the scale of our connections, we’ve invested in direct mail, email and segmented marketing, even social media. But in this process, across industries, we’ve lost the true meaning of connection. Now, the world is recognizing that we must continue to push technology to its next outer limits to continue to earn a place in the lives of our audience.

AI-Powered Fundraising That Puts People First

Cleveland State’s approach reflects what we believe at Version2.ai: that the best application of autonomous AI, when implemented with clarity and care, is to support social good. Ava offers alumni the option to engage or not, to speak with a person at any time, and to receive messages that are grounded in genuine connection. It is not technology for the sake of efficiency. It is technology in service of the mission.

Version2.ai Is Committed to Human-Centered Innovation

Stories like CSU’s are why it is our mission to build the most consequential technology in nonprofit fundraising. As institutions evolve to meet the needs of their communities, we are right there with them—pushing boundaries, asking deeper questions, and delivering technology that stays true to the heart of the mission.

Ready to See What’s Possible?

If your team is looking to build deeper, more scalable relationships—without losing the personal touch—we’d love to show you how it works.

Schedule a demo to see how Version2.ai can help your institution unlock authentic engagement with the power of autonomous AI.