How Fractional Fundraising Works: What Small Nonprofits Can Expect

Nonprofits need strong fundraising leadership, but hiring a full-time fundraiser isn’t always an option. That’s why more organizations are choosing fractional fundraising—an affordable, flexible solution that provides expert guidance without the full-time cost.

Many small organizations know they need professional fundraising support but worry about how a new partnership will work in practice. Let's demystify the process and explore what makes fractional fundraising uniquely effective for small nonprofits.

How Fractional Fundraising is Different from Traditional Consulting

Traditional fundraising consultants provide recommendations and leave implementation to you. But for small nonprofits with limited staff, another to-do list isn't the answer.

Fractional fundraising takes a different approach.

Instead of just offering advice, a fractional fundraiser acts as a key member of your team, helping to:

  • Integrates seamlessly with your staff and board

  • Provides hands-on fundraising support beyond strategy

  • Train your team to build long-term internal capacity

  • Ensure consistent execution of fundraising activities

What to Expect When You Work with a Fractional Fundraiser

When you bring in a fractional fundraiser, you gain both fundraising leadership and hands-on support to move your nonprofit forward. Here’s what the process looks like:

  1. Initial Assessment
    First, we take a deep dive into your current fundraising activities. We analyze your fundraising systems, donor engagement, and revenue streams to identify strengths and opportunities.

  2. Strategic Planning
    Your fractional fundraiser develops a customized fundraising plan that:

    • Aligns with your mission and goals

    • Matches your current capacity and resources

    • Focuses on high-impact fundraising strategies

    • Sets realistic timelines and measurable objectives

  3. Hands-On Implementation
    Your fractional fundraiser doesn’t just make recommendations—they lead initiatives, train your team, and build systems for sustainable growth.

  4. Ongoing Support & Optimization
    We continuously monitor progress, adjust strategies, and provide expert guidance to ensure your fundraising success.

Building Long-Term Success

The goal of fractional fundraising isn't just to raise more money – it's to build sustainable fundraising programs that continue to serve your organization well into the future. We focus on:

  • Developing reliable revenue streams

  • Creating efficient processes

  • Training your team

  • Establishing best practices

Is Your Organization Ready?

Fractional fundraising works best for small nonprofits that:

  • Have a clear mission and vision

  • Are committed to growing their fundraising program

  • Want professional expertise but can't justify a full-time hire

  • Value collaboration and partnership

Take the Next Step

Is Fractional Fundraising Right for You?

If your nonprofit needs fundraising expertise without the full-time cost, fractional fundraising could be the right fit. Let’s talk. Schedule a discovery call today to see how we can help you reach your fundraising goals.

Laurie de Fleuriot

Laurie is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) with over 14 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, specializing in helping small organizations maximize their impact through strategic, results-driven fundraising solutions. As founder of Sound Fundraising Strategies, she combines high-level strategic planning with hands-on implementation, delivering the expertise of a consultant with the dedicated support of a staff member.

Her proven track record includes generating $670,000 in corporate partnerships for a membership association, achieving 21% year-over-year growth in individual giving for a direct service nonprofit, and raising over $480,000 through a single peer-to-peer event. She has successfully increased email engagement rates for clients to rates between 48-66% through strategic messaging and donor stewardship.

Passionate about digital innovation and donor relationship management, Laurie specializes in annual giving, corporate partnerships, and revenue diversification strategies. She believes every small nonprofit has the potential to change the world—they just need the right fundraising strategy and support to get there.

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Fractional Fundraising: A Smarter Way to Grow Your Nonprofit