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Nonprofits leveraging fractional hiring model

January 19, 2023

Fractional helps solve talent, business challenges for nonprofits

From Seasonedpros.ca Insights Lab 

The nonprofit was one sector hit particularly hard by the pandemic and the talent shortage.

There were issues with talent acquisition and retention in nonprofits before the pandemic, but long lockdowns and shutdowns accelerated the problem. Many nonprofit employees did not return after layoffs.

Many nonprofits are responding to the challenges using the fractional hiring model to fill talent gaps quickly and cost-effectively.

Fractional employees are hired on contract to work at a fraction of the time. This could mean permanent part-time or to complete a specific project.

Nonprofits face different business challenges

Nonprofit organizations juggle a different set of business and talent challenges than the for-profit sector.

  • Non-profits are unable to offer the same compensation packages as the for-profit sector because donors wish to see funds go into programs
  • Many non-profits rely on government programs to support their infrastructure
  • Non-profits have lost volunteers who are spending more time on paid work to cope with the rising cost of living.

Nonprofits turn to fractional talent model

Many nonprofits have turned to the fractional hiring model to find the right talent to sustain their operations and grow their organizations.

With the talent and funding challenges, nonprofits still need people to execute projects such as major fund-raising, program delivery, grant writing and strategic planning.

If staff are overworked and burned out and volunteers are disappearing, this leaves nonprofits in a pinch which could affect their ability to reach their goals.

The case for fractional in nonprofits

The fractional model gives nonprofits financial flexibility and options in a talent crunch. 

Fractional hiring allows nonprofits to pay for the skills they need without making the commitment of a full-time hire if budgets are tight.

Fractional talent often comes with deep experience in nonprofit enterprises and has decided to go independent for purposes of flexibility and freedom.

Many are motivated to “give back” after long careers and are less motivated by compensation.

Roles for fractional nonprofit professionals include:

Fractional Executive Directors – boards hire leaders to execute strategic plans and run day-to-day operations at a fraction of the time and cost.

Fractional Fundraising and Event Co-ordinators – These professionals run annual events and giving campaigns designed to raise funds. 

Fractional Program Delivery Co-ordinators – These employees execute the programs delivered to the nonprofit’s community.

Fractional Donor Relations – Maintaining relationships with major corporate donors and sponsors.

Fractional Marketing and Communications – Developing communications/marketing strategy and assets to raise brand awareness, promote fundraising campaigns and keep stakeholders informed of the organization’s mission and activities.

Fractional Controller or CFO – The financial professional is key to maintaining all aspects of money, operations, and reporting to the board, donors and stakeholders.

Fractional Human Resources – a nonprofit may not have the budget for a full-time HR person but they need someone to hire and manage people and policies in the organization.

Fractional hires are fast, cost-efficient for nonprofits

Fractional hiring allows nonprofits to access the best talent at a fraction of the cost. They realize the benefits of cost-efficiency while tapping into a pool of experienced talent with the best skills help the organization achieve its goals.

Fractional talent can be accessed fast so that challenges can be tackled without delay. They can work on-site, in a hybrid role and remotely depending on the needs of the organization.

In many cases, the fractional leader can bring fresh perspectives to the organization which can result in innovation and positive change.

SeasonedPros.ca is an on-demand business talent source. Clients with an immediate need for experienced talent trust us to source professionals for project, interim and part-time roles. Each professional in our national database has 20 + years of business experience. We provide our clients 2-4 four vetted professionals in 10 business days or less.




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