Is a fractional fundraiser right for you?
Written by Caitlin McBride
Is your nonprofit looking to level up its fundraising without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire? Or have you been trying to hire a skilled fundraiser with no luck?
Right now, many nonprofits across are in the difficult situation of needing increase their fundraising capacity, while at the same time facing increasingly tight budgets and a limited talent pool.
If you’re in the market for fundraising help, you may have come across a solution that's growing in popularity: the fractional fundraiser.
But is hiring a fractional fundraiser the right move for your organization? Let’s break down the pros and cons to help you decide.
What is a fractional fundraiser?
A fractional fundraiser is an experienced fundraising professional who works with organizations on a part-time basis, for a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire. Fractional fundraisers focus on strategic implementation and work hands-on with nonprofits – embedding themselves in the organization and doing the day-to-day tasks that make a difference and help the nonprofit reach their goals.
It allows small organizations get access to experienced fundraising professionals, without the need for a full-time hire. Fractional fundraisers typically work on 12-month contracts, so you have stability and security in your fundraising program and room for it to grow.
Pros of hiring a fractional fundraiser
Cost-effective expertise
A fractional fundraiser brings senior-level fundraising skills to your team without the costs of a full-time salary, benefits, or overhead. This is particularly valuable for smaller organizations that may not have the budget for a full-time fundraiser but still need high-quality fundraising support.
Immediate impact
Fractional fundraisers are experienced professionals who can jump right in and start making an impact. They bring a wealth of knowledge from years of experience and work with multiple nonprofits, so they require little to no training or oversight.
Laying the groundwork for future success
A fractional fundraiser can help build the foundation for your organization's long-term fundraising success. They can put systems, strategies, and processes in place, making your fundraising stable, sustainable, and scalable. Once this groundwork is established, your organization might be ready to hire a more junior or entry-level fundraiser who can step in and manage the work efficiently. This approach provides the tools and structure that allow a new hire to hit the ground running without the steep learning curve.
Objective, outside perspective
As someone who isn't fully embedded in your day-to-day operations, a fractional fundraiser can offer an unbiased perspective on your fundraising strategy. They may identify opportunities or areas for improvement that in-house staff might miss.
Cons of hiring a fractional fundraiser
Limited availability
Since fractional fundraisers work with multiple clients, they won’t always be available when you need them. If your organization requires last-minute changes or rapid responses, this can be a drawback.
Less integration with your team
A fractional fundraiser won’t be as deeply involved in your organization’s culture or internal processes as a full-time staff member. This can sometimes create a disconnect between your organization's voice and the fundraising strategy they develop.
Less control over their work
As independent contractors, fractional fundraisers control their schedules and work processes. If you prefer a hands-on approach to managing staff, this might not be ideal for you.
Short-term focus
Fractional fundraisers often work on specific projects or campaigns and can support you to grow relationships with your donors – but they won’t cultivate donor relationships themselves due to the short-term nature of the contract. If your organization is looking for someone to develop long-term donor relationships or grow with your team, this setup may not work for you.
How a fractional fundraiser can prepare you for full-time success
One of the most powerful benefits of hiring a fractional fundraiser is how they can set your organization up for future growth. By putting strong fundraising systems in place, a fractional fundraiser can build the foundation that will make it easier for your organization to transition to a full-time or entry-level hire in the future.
Here’s how:
Establishing best practices: They can create systems for donor management, grant applications, and fundraising campaigns that can be handed off to a full-time or entry-level staff member later.
Training your team: A fractional fundraiser can help train your existing staff and board members on best practices, preparing them to take on more responsibilities.
Streamlining processes: By creating a smooth, scalable fundraising operation, they ensure that any future hires—especially those new to fundraising—can step into a well-oiled machine and make an immediate impact.
This approach allows your organization to benefit from senior-level expertise now, while laying the groundwork for long-term fundraising success.
Is a fractional fundraiser right for you?
Hiring a fractional fundraiser might be the perfect choice if:
You need specialized fundraising help but can’t afford a full-time hire.
A fractional fundraiser provides the skills you need without the full-time commitment.
You’re launching a major campaign or tackling a specific project.
Whether it’s a capital campaign or a strategic initiative, a fractional fundraiser can give you the expertise you need to reach your goals.
You want to build a foundation for long-term success.
If you’re not ready for a full-time hire but want to set your organization up for future growth, a fractional fundraiser can lay the groundwork that will make future hires more successful.
Final thoughts
Fractional fundraisers offer a flexible, cost-effective solution for nonprofits looking to boost their fundraising efforts and who need senior-level expertise right away. While there are some trade-offs, particularly around availability and integration, the ability to access expert fundraising skills on a part-time basis can be a game-changer for many organizations.
By hiring a fractional fundraiser now, your organization can not only tackle immediate challenges but also build a strong foundation for future growth. If you need high-level expertise without the full-time cost, a fractional fundraiser might be the key to scaling your fundraising efforts.
