Public-Phase Power: Autonomous Fundraising Expands Campaign Reach

Autonomous Fundraising doesn’t just make an impact in a campaign’s quiet phase — it’s just as powerful once the vision is public and momentum is building. In the middle of a campaign, transformational gifts are fueling excitement, and the focus shifts to rallying broad community support. This is where a Virtual Engagement Officer (VEO) excels: sustaining energy, stewarding and retaining new supporters, and turning interest into lasting engagement.

As we see more of our Innovation Partners lean on their VEOs  throughout the public phase, they’re looking to find ways to scale individual outreach to accelerate participation and upgrades. During the public phase, VEO-driven outreach carries the campaign’s energy into the broader community with personal and regular connections that are donor-focused and keep momentum rolling, leading to the natural outcome of giving.

At Indiana State University, their VEO, Samantha, manages a portfolio of 1,000 mid-level donors who had not previously been assigned to gift officer portfolios. In the campaign’s public phase, Samantha surfaces authentic alumni stories, invites feedback on the university’s impact, and encourages society members to reaffirm their support. This personal touch has set a tone of genuine connection leading into the campaign’s close by reigniting participation and welcoming back supporters who fell silent.

As John Burroughs School nears the close of its Centennial Campaign, the school is tapping its Virtual Engagement Officer, J.B., to reach its youngest alumni with personal outreach. J.B. invites recent graduates to join the new alumni network to connect with classmates and mentors. With a $50,000 Board match for gifts ranging from $5 to $120, the VEO is cultivating the next generation of alumni leaders, mentors, and donors.

As other Innovation Partner campaigns move into the public phase, we are seeing VEOs carry early energy to circles of supporters including alumni, friends, community members, and more. Just as a great traditional fundraiser would, the VEO tailors outreach to each donor, recognizes past involvement, celebrates campaign milestones, and invites new participation through meaningful outreach. Weekly updates highlight where participation is strongest and where new opportunities emerge, giving teams greater insight to adapt in real time and keep momentum growing.

The strategic outreach and strengthened connections built by autonomous fundraising work together to build momentum toward the finish line, laying the groundwork for lasting engagement beyond campaign close.

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Carry Campaign Energy Forward

Schedule a demo to see how a VEO sustains excitement, engages more supporters, and drives participation through the public phase and beyond.