[Ep. 87] Greater Visibility Equals More Funding (with Jenn DeBarge Goonan)
For nonprofits that want to grow their impact, being invisible is not an option.
In a crowded, distracted landscape where donors and funders are overwhelmed with messages, nonprofits that fail to show up clearly and consistently are being passed over for those that communicate with intention. In today’s episode, Russ interviews Jenn DeBarge Goonan to discuss how a clear, strategic communications approach can keep your organization top-of-mind with the people who matter most.
Tune in to find out exactly how much a lack of visibility might be costing your nonprofit in lost funding, credibility, and momentum.
Episode highlights include:
The $50,000 recurring grant a nonprofit lost — and what it reveals about your visibility risk
How funders interpret a quiet social media presence (and why it can signal distress)
Why testimonials and third-party credibility are the best way to showcase an organization’s worth and impact
How to spotlight beneficiaries as the heroes without making your organization disappear
The simple content strategy that turns one article into a year’s worth of storytelling assets
Why asking stakeholders how they actually consume information can transform your communication plan
How the North Star Message Guide can save “hundreds of hours” for small-but-mighty teams
The hard questions to ask staff, donors, and partners to uncover blind spots and new campaign ideas
How broadening who tells your story (beyond the CEO) strengthens donor connection and organizational resilience
The 90-day mini-plan approach to testing new communications without overwhelming your team
The five visibility pillars every nonprofit should audit right now
Two simple “stress tests” to prove to your board or CEO that you have a communications problem
Listen here:
Additional Resources
[NPFX] When You Don’t Message Enough: How Humility Can Kill Your Fundraising
[NPFX] Leading through Layers: Communication Strategies to Align Your Team
Jenn's Visibility Checklist:
1. Online presence — Your website is easy to find and built for how people actually search. That means SEO and AEO (optimized for AI search tools like ChatGPT).
2. Ongoing media attention — Industry trade, local press, national coverage. Third-party coverage is your street cred. It signals you're legit and worth funding.
3. Thought leadership — Your CEO or executive director needs to be out there. Podcasts, conferences, speaking engagements, LinkedIn. Push the person forward, not just the org.
4. Consistent social media — You can't go dark for 3-5 months. Out of sight, out of mind, especially with donors and partners.
5. Ecosystem partnerships — What associations, coalitions, or organizations are you connected to? Who you run with signals whether you should be taken seriously at the table.
Guest
Jenn DeBarge Goonan, founder of JAG Communications, has launched and elevated dozens of brands and nonprofits, from introducing Lululemon to the U.S. market to leading social justice campaigns and iconic product launches for Ben & Jerry’s, and driving strategy for organizations like the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF), Bosch Community Fund, Dunkin’ Foundation, Women Enabled Enterprises, ShopConsciously, and many others to help generate millions in revenue and move hearts to action. Jenn is also the author of Greatest Good on Substack that spotlights stories of changemakers, nonprofits, and purpose-driven businesses making an impact that offers clear ways for anyone to support, engage, and help move the positive work forward.
Host
Russ Phaneuf, a co-founder of IPM Advancement, has a background in higher education development, with positions at the University of Hartford, Northern Arizona University, and Thunderbird School of Global Management. As IPM's managing director & chief strategist, Russ serves as lead fundraising strategist, award-winning content creator, and program analyst specializing in applied system dynamics.
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