What Is Fractional Fundraising? Everything you want to know
You’ve probably seen the term “fractional fundraiser” floating around LinkedIn or mentioned in a board meeting. And maybe you’ve wondered: Is this a consultant? A part-time staff member? A unicorn who builds your fundraising plan and writes all your grants while you sleep?
Let’s clear it up. If you’re running a small nonprofit with big goals and not enough people to make them happen, this article is for you. We’re breaking down what fractional fundraising is, how it works, when it makes sense, and how to find the right fit if you’re considering it.
What is fractional fundraising?
Fractional fundraising means hiring an experienced fundraiser to work with your organization on a contract basis. You get a fraction of their time, but the full benefit of their skills and experience.
It’s not just strategy. Fractional fundraisers help with implementation too. They might write your donor appeals, clean up your CRM, build out your grants calendar, coach your board, or develop a stewardship system. They do the work alongside you, filling in the gaps while training others building long-term capacity within your team.
When is the right time to consider it?
If your fundraising feels scattered, stuck, or even nonexistent, fractional fundraising might be the right next step. It’s especially useful when you’re at a turning point: trying to launch a major campaign, scale for growth, clean up systems, or recover from staff turnover.
You may already know you need help, but you don’t have the budget, time, or structure to bring on a full-time hire. Fractional support lets you build capacity now, without overcommitting before you’re ready.
Why not just hire someone full-time?
Hiring takes time, money, and risk. You’re not just committing to a salary, you’re also adding management time, onboarding, and all the operational overhead that comes with a new position. And let’s be real, experienced fundraisers are hard to find right now, especially for small shops with limited capacity.
Fractional fundraising gives you access to high-level skills and fresh perspective right away. You don’t need to train them. You don’t need to manage every detail. You get the benefit of someone who’s done this before, and who can start making a difference on day one.
How does it actually work?
Most fractional fundraisers work on a monthly retainer, which gives you stability and flexibility. They often commit for 12 months, which gives you enough time to see real results and build systems that last.
Some organizations bring in fractional support for a big campaign or project. Others need help building out infrastructure, like donor segmentation, grant tracking, or board engagement. The work is customized to your needs, and it evolves as your goals change.
What should you look for in a fractional fundraiser?
This is where some clear criteria can really help. The right person won’t just have a strong resumé. They’ll bring the right mindset and approach for working inside a small, values-driven team.
Here’s what to look for:
Proven experience with small or mid-sized nonprofits (not just big shops)
Someone who has done implementation work, not just strategy
Strong communication skills with a collaborative approach
Clarity around what they offer and how they work with teams
A focus on values, equity, and ethical fundraising practices
And here’s what to avoid: consultants who promise guaranteed revenue results.
Fundraising doesn’t work like that. If someone tells you they can deliver a specific dollar amount no matter what, it’s a red flag. It shows they don’t understand how fundraising works, or worse, they’re willing to say anything to close the deal. Look for someone who’s realistic, grounded, and focused on building systems that last.
What does it feel like to work with a fractional fundraiser?
At Further Together, we start with a conversation. We learn about your goals, your pain points, and your team’s capacity. Then we build a custom monthly plan that moves your fundraising forward.
Some months, that might mean writing a new grant or designing a donor journey. Other months, it could be setting up your CRM or coaching your board. The work shifts with your needs, but the focus stays steady: building systems that support real relationships and long-term sustainability.
Final thoughts
Fractional fundraising isn’t a quick fix. It’s a way to build strength over time, to set up the systems and practices that let your team grow with confidence. It’s about doing fundraising in a way that works for you.
So, if you’re overwhelmed, under-resourced, and tired of holding it all together by yourself, this might be the support you’ve been looking for.
If you’re curious whether this could work for your team, book a free call and talk it through with us. No pressure, no pitch. Just a real conversation about what kind of support would make your fundraising feel lighter and more doable.