How Better Marketing Leads to Better Fundraising

What if better marketing was the key to greater impact?

Daniel Francavilla, founder of Good Growth Company, to unpack how brand clarity, messaging, and focus directly influence fundraising success.

Daniel shares why “marketing” isn’t a dirty word in the nonprofit world, how brand builds trust with donors, and why doing fewer things better leads to stronger donor relationships. From choosing the right marketing channels to using storytelling and proof effectively, this conversation is packed with practical insights fundraisers can apply immediately.

If you’re a fundraiser, nonprofit leader, or executive director trying to cut through the noise and raise more by focusing on what truly matters—this episode is for you.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why brand is a fundraising amplifier
• Common nonprofit misconceptions about marketing
• How clarity and consistency build donor trust
• Choosing the right marketing channels (email, social, ads)
• Paid ads for nonprofits: what actually works
• How to audit your nonprofit’s messaging today

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser

00:54 – Daniel’s journey into nonprofit marketing

02:24 – Why marketing skills are missing in social impact

03:25 – Misconceptions nonprofits have about marketing

04:51 – Why brand matters more than you think

05:07 – How clarity builds donor trust

06:56 – Defining nonprofit brand positioning

07:14 – The 5 elements of strong nonprofit branding

09:41 – Choosing the right marketing channels

11:55 – Email, SMS, and owning your audience

12:41 – Paid ads for nonprofits: realistic expectations

15:33 – Making the case for marketing internally

17:45 – One tactical takeaway every fundraiser can do today

18:57 – Final thoughts on focus and impact