As nonprofit leaders look for new ways to scale their impact without stretching their budgets too thin, one term is popping up more and more: fractional consulting.
But what does it really mean? Is it just part-time work with a shiny new title—or is it something more?
In this valuable session from our 10 Things series, Daniel Francavilla of The Good Growth Company sat down with Cindy Wagman, a fundraising expert and nonprofit consultant who’s become one of the leading voices on fractional work in the sector.
With two decades of experience—from in-house roles to agency leadership to training over 85 fractionals — Cindy unpacked the myths, models, and must-knows for organizations curious about this growing trend.

So what's a fractional consultant?

Cindy opened with a bold clarification:

“Fractional isn’t just a fancy word for part-time.”

Instead, a true fractional:

Combines strategic oversight with hands-on implementation
Works remotely, typically on a monthly retainer
Becomes embedded in your team long enough to build momentum
Is not on call or tracked by hours—they’re outcome-focused
Offers specialized expertise in one function (e.g., fundraising, HR, operations, marketing)

“Fractionals are not junior doers or high-level talkers. They’re strategic and practical—they do the work and drive the vision.”

Top Takeaways

1. Fractional ≠ Part-Time

While they offer a portion of their time, fractionals are not “fill-ins”—they provide deep expertise and lead a function, not just assist with it.

2. They’re Best for Growing Organizations

Fractionals are ideal for nonprofits that have outgrown “side-of-desk” support but don’t yet have the capacity to hire full-time specialists.

“Fractionals fill that in-between stage when hiring junior feels risky, but you need strategic leadership to grow.”

3. It’s Not Just Fundraising

Cindy has seen success with fractionals in HR, marketing, operations, finance, volunteer management, and more.

4. Not the Same as Interim Roles

Interim leaders hold the fort during transitions. Fractionals, on the other hand, are there to build and grow a function over time.

5. Plans Matter More Than Hours

Forget time sheets. A fractional’s work should be guided by a detailed plan with deliverables, timelines, and goals.

“Without a plan, you can’t hold them accountable—and they can’t guide the work effectively.”

6. They Should Say No

You’re hiring a fractional for their judgment. A good one will push back on ideas that won’t work and bring strategic clarity to decision-making.

7. They Work Remotely (and That’s a Good Thing)

Unlike in-house staff, fractionals aren’t expected to be physically present or on call. This allows for more focused, efficient work.

8. It’s a Long-Term, Temporary Solution

Most fractional engagements last 12 months or more. That’s the timeline it takes to see real change and compound results.

“The sweet spot is between months 9 and 12. You start to see the real return on investment then.”

9. You Still Need a Team

Fractionals don’t do it all alone. They need staff support—whether that’s a coordinator, bookkeeper, or admin—to execute their strategy.

10. They’re Not for Everyone

If your organization is very early-stage or lacks budget for capacity building, you may not be ready. And that’s okay.

“Sometimes the best advice is to wait. Get more grants, raise more funds—then hire when you’re really ready.”

Quotes to Remember

“Fractional work is not about saving money—it’s about reallocating it smartly to grow faster and more effectively.”

“You don’t hire a fractional to be a task rabbit. You hire them to tell you what needs to be done—and do it.”

“Your fractional is not your employee. They’re a partner in your organization’s growth.”

Resources

Fractional Hiring Guide: Explore how to engage a fractional: nonprofitfractionals.com/match
Fracture Podcast: A behind-the-scenes podcast for prospective fractional consultants: nonprofitfractionals.com/fracture
Looking for Marketing & Campaign Support for Nonprofit? Learn more about Daniel's services for nonprofits: danieldoes.co/advising-nonprofit

What’s next?

As the nonprofit sector grapples with turnover, burnout, and tighter budgets, fractional consultants offer a compelling alternative. They can build capacity, increase efficiency, and scale impact—without the commitment of a full-time hire.
But the key is fit.
Know your needs. Set a clear plan. Choose the right partner.
As Cindy reminded us:

“This isn’t a trend. It’s a structural shift—and one that’s here to stay.”

Want to watch the session?

Catch the full recording of “10 Things Social Purpose Organizations Need to Know About Fractional Consultants” in our Good Growth Library.

Learn more

Fractional Consultants: 10 Things Nonprofits Need to Know