Fractional Development vs. Hiring Full-Time – What’s Right for Your Nonprofit?

Nonprofits need strong fundraising and communications to grow, but many struggle to decide between hiring a full-time team or outsourcing to experts. Both options have advantages, but for many organizations, fractional development offers a smarter, more cost-effective solution.

The Cost of Full-Time Hires

Hiring an in-house development or communications director is a major investment. A full-time fundraising professional can cost upwards of $100,000 annually when factoring in salary, benefits, and overhead. Communications and PR professionals require a similar investment. For small to mid-sized nonprofits, these expenses can stretch already tight budgets.

Beyond cost, hiring full-time staff comes with challenges. Finding and retaining experienced development professionals is difficult. The nonprofit sector faces high turnover, particularly in fundraising roles. Staff also require training, management, and resources, which add to the overall expense.

The Benefits of Fractional Development and Communications Support

Fractional services allow nonprofits to access high-level expertise without the cost of a full-time salary. Instead of paying for one employee’s time and skill set, organizations get a team of specialists who bring broader experience and strategic insight.

Here’s how fractional development and communications support benefits nonprofits:

• Cost Efficiency – Pay for only the services needed rather than covering a full salary.

• Expertise on Demand – Work with specialists who have extensive experience in grant writing, PR, marketing, and fundraising strategy.

• Scalability – Increase or decrease services as funding and needs change.

• Faster Results – Benefit from proven strategies without the learning curve of onboarding new employees.

• Reduced Risk – Avoid turnover and staffing challenges that disrupt fundraising and communications efforts.

Which Option is Right for Your Organization?

A full-time hire makes sense for large nonprofits with a steady funding stream and a long-term need for in-house capacity. For growing organizations that need high-level expertise but want to maintain financial flexibility, fractional development is often the better choice.

If your nonprofit is struggling to balance fundraising, grant writing, PR, and donor communications, outsourcing can provide immediate relief while positioning your organization for long-term success. Fractional support ensures that organizations receive expert-level strategy and execution without the risk and costs of full-time staffing.

Ready to Explore Fractional Development Support?

If you’re considering fractional development for your nonprofit, we’d love to help. DevCom1 provides expert grant writing, PR, and communications support tailored to your organization’s needs. Contact us today to discuss how fractional services can help you grow while staying financially flexible.