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Paul Cook2025-02-12 14:30:082025-08-03 07:55:48Engaging Donors Through Impact: Strategies for Using Data to Build Stronger RelationshipsWhy More Nonprofits Are Hiring Fractional Executives—and When You Should (or Shouldn’t)
Nonprofit leaders are burned out. Budgets are tight. Teams are stretched. Yet strategy, execution, and accountability can’t wait until the next big grant hits.
That’s why many organizations are turning to fractional executives—seasoned professionals who step into leadership roles like CFO, CMO, or Development Director, without the commitment of a full-time hire.
But this model isn’t for everyone.
In the latest episode of A Modern Nonprofit Podcast, Tosha Anderson sits down with Cindy Wagman, founder of the Fractional Fundraising Network, to break down when fractional leadership works brilliantly—and when it backfires.
What’s a Fractional Executive, Really?
It’s not a consultant. It’s not a junior employee. A fractional executive is someone who brings strategy and execution together in one experienced, part-time package. They’re ideal for organizations that are growing and need high-level leadership—but not 40 hours a week.
Here’s When It Works
If you have a function (finance, fundraising, HR) that’s important, but not quite big enough to need a full-time hire—fractional might be your answer.
You get:
- Strategic expertise
- Hands-on implementation
- Less risk and more flexibility
It’s like hiring the right part of the right person at the right time.
But It’s Not a Magic Wand
This model fails when organizations aren’t ready to change. If your leadership isn’t engaged, your team resists outside support, or you’re just looking to offload tasks instead of collaborate—don’t expect great results.
Get Clear Before You Hire
Cindy and Tosha are candid: success depends on having clarity about your goals, your culture, and your willingness to make space for change. If you just want someone to follow orders, hire an employee. If you want someone to lead a transformation, a fractional could be your best investment.
Whether you’re exploring your first fractional hire or you’ve been burned by a mismatch in the past—this conversation is packed with hard-won wisdom from both sides of the table.
Connect with Cindy Wagman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindywagman/
Website: https://www.nonprofitfractionals.com/
Waitlist: https://www.fractionalfundraising.co/waitlist
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re looking to put these strategies into practice, our team of nonprofit experts is here to help. Contact us and let’s talk about how a fractional CFO can move your mission forward—starting with your finances.
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Paul Cook2022-09-22 07:48:152025-08-03 07:56:33How Do Nonprofits Make Money?
