Fractional Development Executive Solutions

What Is Fractional—and Is It Right for Me?

That’s a fair question. Whether you’re an Executive Director of a small nonprofit, a Development Director at a growing organization, or somewhere in between, “fractional” can mean different things depending on context.

Let’s start here.

Do Any of These Sound Familiar?

Executive Directors often ask:

Why does fundraising feel heavier than it should? What would capable leadership actually look like here?

Who can help maintain stability (and momentum) during a period of leadership transition?

How can I become more effective in my role as it relates to fundraising growth?

Development Directors often ask:

If fundraising is a board priority, why doesn’t it show up in board behavior?
How do I build real capacity with a limited budget—and without reinventing the wheel?
How can my Executive Director be more effective as a fundraising leader?

After nearly two decades working with both small and mid-sized nonprofits, I can say with confidence: these questions are common—and understandable. If you’re wrestling with them, you’re not alone.

What Fractional Leadership Is (and Isn’t)

Morning Star Partners’ Fractional Development Executive solution is a flexible, cost-effective way to add experienced fundraising leadership without the commitment of a full-time hire.

Fractional leadership is not about filling hours or completing isolated tasks. It’s about embedding seasoned leadership into your organization to strengthen strategy, execution, and long-term capacity.

Since you’re asking whether this is the right fit, let’s be clear. Fractional leadership is not the right solution for everyone—and that’s by design.

How Fractional Compares

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Source: Fractionals United

Fractional leadership makes sense when you need ownership, accountability, and execution, not just recommendations.

Signs Fractional Leadership May Be a Good Fit

You may be an ideal candidate for a Fractional Development Executive if:

As Executive Director, you are also carrying the chief fundraiser role—and your priorities are stretched thin

You are in a season of growth but lack the capacity or readiness for a seasoned full-time development hire

You are navigating (or anticipating) leadership transition and need steady, experienced guidance

A capital campaign is on the horizon and you need to build readiness, not rush into execution

Your fundraising is overly dependent on one method and needs to diversify sustainably

How Engagements Are Structured

A common question is cost. A better question is often: what opportunity cost exists today because leadership capacity is constrained?

MSP’s Fractional Development Executive engagements are customized to each organization’s needs and objectives. While arrangements typically include a minimum monthly retainer and duration, we do not position our work as “X hours per month.” The focus is outcomes, not a clock.

That said, many engagements resemble approximately 1-2 days per week of executive-level leadership over a defined period, often 9–12 months*. Goals, scope, and expectations are agreed upon up front so the arrangement is clear, disciplined, and aligned with both budget and mission.

Clients consistently value the rapid ramp-up, adaptability, and clarity that come from having an experienced fundraising leader alongside them—allowing staff and boards to focus on higher-value work sooner.

The shared goal is simple: maximize return on investment and leave the organization stronger, clearer, and more durable than when the partnership began.

*Timeframe and scope varies, contact us to discuss options that work for you.

Common Areas of Focus

MSP Fractional engagements often include:

Serving as an embedded member of the senior leadership team

Fundraising strategy design and implementation support

Development program assessment and redesign

Staff coaching and mentorship

Board and committee coaching and training

Executive Director coaching in major and leadership-level giving

Fractional Q&A

Q: Does MSP actually make the solicitations?

A: Typically not. MSP does not manage a full donor portfolio however we do often use training strategies to model effective solicitation visits. Durable philanthropic relationships belong with the organization, not an external partner.

Q: Is a fractional executive a contractor or staff member?

A: The MSP fractional executive serves as a 1099 contractor.

Q: Is fractional a long-term replacement for a full-time role?
Typically, no. Fractional leadership is most effective as a bridge—building systems, clarity, and capacity. In some circumstances, engagements extend beyond an initial term, but longer-term decisions should involve finance and HR leadership. We believe in supporting leaders as they lead fundraising -- not replacing them in that role. MSP is happy to walk through options side by side.

A Final Thought

Fractional leadership should feel like a partnership—aligned, purposeful, and mutually committed. Just as nonprofits are selective about who they work with, MSP is equally intentional about fractional engagements.

If this resonates, the next step isn’t a pitch. It’s a conversation.

Curious if Fractional is for You?

Let’s explore whether fractional leadership is the right fit for you.