From Burnout to Balance - How Yvette Kelly Fields Built a Six-Figure Fractional Fundraising Business While Keeping Her Day Job
In this inspiring episode of Fracture, host Cindy Wagman sits down with Yvette Kelly Fields, a fractional fundraiser who's redefining what's possible in nonprofit consulting. Yvette shares her unique journey of building a thriving fractional fundraising business while maintaining her part-time in-house role, proving that you don't have to choose between stability and ambition.
The Power of Not Waiting for the Perfect Moment
Yvette's story challenges the common belief that you need to be "ready" to make big career moves. With over 25 years in fundraising across social services and higher education, she initially thought fractional fundraising was something she'd consider "maybe at some point in the future." But when opportunity knocked, she didn't hesitate.
"I would say, do it. I almost waited because I thought I'm not ready. But I didn't know all the things that would happen," Yvette reflects. Her decision to join the Fractional Fundraiser Academy led to explosive growth - from one client to three clients plus a part-time role, generating over $15,000 monthly in business revenue.
Building a Million-Dollar Support Squad
One of the most compelling aspects of Yvette's success is how she systematically built a team to support her ambitious goals:
Grant Writer/Proposal Specialist: Handles the writing while Yvette focuses on strategy
Project Manager: Manages tools like Monday.com and maintains organized systems
Personal Assistant: Handles grocery shopping and personal logistics
House Cleaning Service: Monthly deep cleaning
Sister as Meal Prep Chef: Custom weekly meal preparation
"I really had to put together my million dollar squad," Yvette explains, referencing Rachel Rogers' business philosophy. This approach allowed her to focus on her highest-value activities while ensuring everything else runs smoothly.
The Financial Impact: More Than Just Numbers
Yvette's financial transformation tells a powerful story:
Business Revenue: $15,000 gross monthly ($10,000 net after expenses)
Part-time Job: $60,000 annually
Total Income: Approximately $180,000 annually
But the real transformation goes beyond the numbers. The increased income has enabled Yvette to:
"My giving went from giving a couple hundred dollars - a big gift would be maybe a thousand dollars in a year - to making $5,000 gifts. When people say 'I'm raising money for this,' I'm like, 'Here you go.' I don't have to think about it."
Travel Without Compromise
Planning her dream two-week trip to New Zealand
Upgrading to business class flights
Staying in luxury suites with exclusive lounge access
Taking spontaneous family trips without financial stress
Daily Life Improvements "I don't think twice about Ubering. It's like, oh, it's an hour away, I don't care. It's a hundred something? That's fine. I don't have the energy to drive."
The Strategic Approach to Fractional Fundraising
Yvette's success didn't happen by accident. Her strategic approach includes:
Specializing in Black women-led nonprofits working to advance equity Systematic Processes: Using templates and project management tools to streamline client onboarding Technology Integration: Leveraging AI (she calls her ChatGPT "Jerry") to increase efficiency Community Networking: Utilizing referrals from the Fractional Fundraiser Academy network
Lessons for Aspiring Fractional Fundraisers
Yvette's advice is clear and actionable:
Don't Wait for Perfect Timing: "Don't assume you need to have more money. You may not. You can assume you will."
Consider Opportunity Cost: "Every year you wait not knowing, how much money could you have been making had you known what you need to do?"
Leverage Payment Plans: Yvette joined the Academy using a payment plan, proving that financial constraints don't have to be barriers.
Build Your Support System Early: Start thinking about what support you'll need and budget for it from the beginning.
The Unique Part-Time Model
What makes Yvette's story particularly interesting is her decision to maintain her in-house role while building her fractional business. When organizational changes created an opportunity, she proposed a fractional arrangement with her existing employer, reducing her hours by 10 per week while taking on external clients.
This approach provided:
Financial Security: Maintaining steady income while building the business
Risk Mitigation: Testing the fractional model without losing employment safety net
Proof of Concept: Demonstrating the value of fractional work to her employer
However, Yvette acknowledges this intense schedule isn't sustainable long-term: "I know in my heart, come next year, I'm gonna have to transition out of this job."
The Technology Stack That Powers Success
Yvette's business runs on a carefully chosen technology stack:
Monday.com: Project management and client tracking
Dropbox: Secure document storage and sharing
ChatGPT: Content creation and efficiency automation
Various Financial Tools: For tracking business expenses and revenue
What's Next: Scaling with Intention
As Yvette looks toward the future, she's focused on:
Transitioning fully to fractional work
Optimizing her pricing strategy
Continuing to provide exceptional value to clients
Building systems that support growth without burnout
Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
Yvette Kelly Fields' story demonstrates that success in fractional fundraising isn't just about replacing your salary - it's about creating the life and impact you truly want. By combining strategic thinking, systematic execution, and the courage to act before feeling "ready," she's built a business that supports not just her financial goals, but her values around philanthropy, travel, and work-life integration.
Her journey proves that with the right support, systems, and mindset, it's possible to build a thriving fractional fundraising business that enhances rather than complicates your life. As Yvette puts it: "I tell people to do it sooner than later."