Outsourced, Not Outmatched: How Fractional Fundraisers Fuel Growth

If you're running a nonprofit with a small team and an ambitious mission, chances are you're juggling a lot—especially when it comes to fundraising. The Center for Effective Philanthropy’s report, the State of Nonprofits 2024: What Funders Need to Know, found that 95% of nonprofit leaders were concerned about staff burnout with nearly 50% finding it difficult to fill staff vacancies.

Hiring a full-time development director might not be financially feasible, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. A growing number of nonprofits are turning to fractional fundraisers—and for good reason.

What’s a Fractional Fundraiser?

A fractional fundraiser is a seasoned fundraising professional who works with your organization on a part-time or contract basis. They're more than just a consultant—they’re a thought partner, strategist, and hands-on team member who helps you raise more money without overloading your staff or budget.

How Fractional Fundraisers Fuel Growth for Smaller Nonprofits

1. You Get Strategy + Execution

Fractional fundraisers aren't just idea people. They develop tailored fundraising strategies, assist with implementation, and stay involved to ensure execution. This is key for smaller nonprofits that don’t just need advice—they need someone who can roll up their sleeves and make things happen.

2. They Stick Around Long Enough to Make a Real Difference

Most fractional fundraising engagements last six months or longer, and that’s a good thing. Longer partnerships allow time to build trust with your team and donors, implement systems, and see real fundraising growth. It also means your team has consistent support through major campaigns, calendar year-end pushes, or a capital campaign feasibility phase.

3. Cost-Effective Expertise

Hiring a full-time development director can cost anywhere from $60,000 – $120,000 annually—before you even factor in benefits. A fractional fundraiser offers similar expertise and leadership, but because they work on a part-time or project basis, the cost savings can be significant. You get access to a high-level professional without the long-term overhead.

4. Alleviates Burnout and Reduces Turnover

According to the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, burnout is one of the top reasons nonprofit employees leave their roles—especially in fundraising. Having a fractional fundraiser on board helps distribute the workload, keeps campaigns on track, and supports overwhelmed executive directors and boards. This reduces stress and helps retain your existing team.

5. Builds Sustainable Systems

Fractional fundraisers don’t just help you raise money today—they build systems that help you raise money next year, and the year after that. Whether it’s setting up a donor stewardship process, launching a monthly giving program, or training your board in fundraising, their work creates long-term value.

Is a Fractional Fundraiser Right for Your Nonprofit? 

• Do you need a strategic fundraising partner but can’t afford a full-time hire?

• Is your team stretched thin and needs hands-on support?

• Are you preparing for a major campaign, event, or funding shift?

• Do you want to create a sustainable fundraising system, not just one-off wins?

• Are you experiencing turnover in development and need steady leadership?

If you answered "yes" to any one of those questions then a fractional fundraiser might be your nonprofit's next best strategic move.

Let’s Talk

If you're curious whether a fractional fundraiser is the right move for your organization, let’s chat. Contact brian@dandelionconsulting.co to schedule a free discovery call and see how we can support your mission.