Episode Details

Cindy Wagman returns to share the exact moment she pivoted from nonprofit employee to fractional fundraiser—negotiating a $125k, 3-days/week, work-from-home consulting deal while on mat leave—and how that two-year contract became a five-year springboard to a thriving practice and global network. She breaks down why 12-month retainers, tight scopes, and saying “no” are the burnout antidotes—and why this model is a win-win-win for seasoned fundraisers, small orgs, and mission outcomes.

What you’ll learn

• The launch playbook: securing your first anchor client, setting fees (salary + ~25% for benefits/taxes), and why 12-month retainers matter.
• A low-risk glide path: the “1 client while employed → quit at client #2 → optional client #3 = gravy” approach, with typical timelines (often 2–4 months for client #1).
• Scope control = sustainability: how to stop scope creep, protect your focus, and deliver the highest-leverage work.
• Where fractional fits: generalists who diagnose → plan → implement across channels (not just advice, not just one tactic).
• US legal wrinkle (quick note, not legal advice): state rules vary; align your work (not collecting funds) with local requirements via counsel.
• Cindy’s #1 advice:
  Stop: assuming donor capacity based on appearances.
  Start: practicing relentless curiosity to find genuine alignment and bigger gifts.

Resources & how to connect

• Cindy’s network + Academy (for experienced fundraisers who want balance and bigger impact): FractionalFundraising.co and CindyWagman.com.
• Org side: inquire to be matched with a certified fractional fundraiser.

Perfect for
Fundraisers eyeing consulting without the free-fall, and small nonprofits that can’t afford a full-time senior hire but need senior-level results.

Looking for Fundraising Coaching?  Check Out www.abundantvision.net