Nonprofit Marketing Strategy

The fractional CMO 30+ nonprofits trust with their growth.

For twenty years, I've helped mission-driven orgs sharpen their story, engage their donors, and scale their impact.

Cynthia Wakeford
Booking Q3 / Q4 2026
20+
Years Leading Marketing
30+
Mission-Driven Orgs Served
1B+
Earned Media Reach
Trusted by mission-driven organizations
Gates Foundation
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
brightbeam
Ed Post
School Board Partners
TreePeople
City Fund
The Opportunity Trust
About Cynthia

Two decades helping nonprofits sound — and grow — like themselves.

I help mission-driven organizations cut through the noise and connect with the communities that matter most. For over twenty years I've led marketing for foundations, social enterprises, and grassroots nonprofits — from naming a brand-new initiative to scaling an annual appeal across six channels.

I bring the strategic clarity of a Fortune 500 CMO and the budget discipline of a one-person shop. I meet you where you are, build what you need, and leave your team stronger than I found it.

Selected Work

What strategic clarity looks like in practice.

Ed Post — brightbeam's storytelling platform
brightbeam · Ed Post · Audience Growth

Turning a national education blog into a storytelling engine donors couldn't ignore.

Ed Post is brightbeam's flagship publication — "where stories lead to action." In one year of strategic content, channel rebuilds, and donor-aligned storytelling, we transformed reach across every owned platform and turned passive readers into a verified email base.

+550%Video & reel views
+642%Instagram followers
+3,200%Verified email signups
New for 2026

AI that stretches your team — without losing your voice.

Most nonprofit teams are stretched thin. The right AI workflow can give you back ten hours a week without compromising the human warmth your donors expect. I'll show you exactly where to start.

  • Map the 3–5 highest-leverage AI use cases for your specific org
  • Build a custom voice & brand guardrails kit your team can actually use
  • Stand up donor-personalization workflows that respect your data ethics
In Their Words

What partners say about working together.

"Cynthia is the kind of CMO who doesn't just execute a strategy, she gracefully shapes and improves it. An organization navigating real transformation would be fortunate to have her on their team."
CS
Christopher StewartCEO, brightbeam
"There are few individuals who can match the tenacity, empathy, and fearlessness of Cynthia. A powerhouse of strategic acumen and infectious enthusiasm, Cynthia is the sort of leader every content team yearns for."
RH
Rachel HellerContent Marketing Manager, Axonius
"Cynthia is a triple threat: she knows great content, has an eye for creative strategy, and understands the nuances of media relations. She understands how content marketing aligns with the overall business strategy and how to create storytelling that inspires action."
KO
Keith O'BrienContent Strategist
Where I Focus

Sectors I serve.

01

Education & Youth

K-12 advocacy, charter networks, postsecondary access, youth development.

02

Foundations & Philanthropy

Grantmakers, donor-advised funds, family foundations scaling their voice.

03

Environment & Climate

Conservation orgs, climate advocacy, sustainable community development.

04

Social Justice & Community

Community development, social enterprise, faith-based, and grassroots advocacy.

Let's Build

Ready to amplify your mission?

Whether you need a brand sprint, a campaign partner, or a CMO who shows up — let's talk about what's possible for your nonprofit.