A 12-month program to turn your noprofit expeirence into a fractional consulting business.
Nonprofit Fractionals
are in Demand.
ARE YOU NEXT?
Break free from the 'passion pays the bills' lie that's been keeping you broke and exhausted. Build a proven nonprofit consulting business that makes 6-figures with 3 clients a year.
Yes even especially in 2026!
Nonprofit folks can run $10M budgets, manage boards full of egos, and turn disasters into success stories with nothing but coffee and sheer determination.
And yet most consultants (and aspiring consultants) are quietly struggling.
You can navigate organizational politics that would make corporate executives weep. You've stretched pennies into miracles and somehow made "other duties as assigned" sound like a career goal.
But when it comes to building a business that actually pays you what you're worth? Suddenly you're googling "how much should I charge" at 2am and second-guessing everything.
It's not because you're not smart enough. It's because nobody taught us that being brilliant at the work and being brilliant at business are two completely different skill sets.
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If you’re already consulting, you might be:
// Overdelivering because you genuinely care
// Undervaluing yourself because “they’re a nonprofit”
// Riding the feast-or-famine rollercoaster
// Working nights and weekends “just to keep up”
// Wondering why your business doesn’t feel like freedom yet
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If you’re still in your 9–5, you might be:
// Carrying the workload of three people
// Feeling guilty for wanting out
// Daydreaming about consulting but scared of instability
// Worried you’ll recreate the same burnout in a new container
// Asking, “Is there a responsible way to do this?”
End the constant "am I qualified for this" spiral.
You're done feeling:
// Exhausted from all the overtime hours and "other duties as assigned" - seriously, they can't pay you enough to clean out another storage cabinet
// Demoralized because you're banging your head against a glass ceiling where the only place you can earn more money is at the big institutions, but you want to work with the smaller, mission-aligned organizations that get you excited
// Trapped because you can't see a clear way out of your job and can't risk losing your benefits and income stability
// Isolated - tired of having no one to ask when a client goes rogue or a proposal gets ghosted except the internet, which has seventeen conflicting opinions
// Like an imposter - you can manage a $2M nonprofit budget but freeze when someone asks what you charge per hour. Somehow you went from "trusted advisor" to "am I qualified for this" the moment you hung out your own shingle
Get the System That's Helped 100+ NONPROFIT Fractionals
SPACE IS LIMITED.
WE ONLY ACCEPT A FEW PEOPLE EVERY MONTH.
A Sustainable, Values-Aligned Consulting Business Is Not a UNICORN.
It’s a System.
No martyrdom required. No hustle worship. Just the proven system that gets you from 'barely surviving' to 'retirement fund that doesn't make you laugh-cry' faster than you thought possible.
At the end of the day, you just want to:
// Stop apologizing for wanting financial stability and more than "just enough"
// Help organizations thrive without navigating three committees and a power-hungry board chair
// Build a life where doing good doesn't mean doing without
You want to build a consulting business that doesn't require you to choose between your values and your bank account.
Introducing The
Nonprofit Fractional
Operating System
The 12-month transformation that takes you from choosing between rent and ramen to 6-figures with 3 clients who actually respect your expertise.
"I had 10 different service areas and a great network - three months into consulting on my own I had zero paid work. I was trying to be everything to everyone and ending up memorable to no one. The day I niched down to just Fractional HR for small nonprofits? Everything changed. Now I have four fractional clients at $4,500/month each. Turns out less really is more, and $18K months start with saying no to the wrong things."
- Arum Lansel, Fractional HR
"I thought I had it made - seven years building a million-dollar fundraising program, all the right credentials. But I was stuck at a $75K salary with nowhere to go. Fractional work changed everything. I doubled my income to $144K and work one client per day with boundaries that actually stick. Business development has been easy because my positioning is crystal clear."
- Brooke Erickson, Fractional Fundraiser
build a complete fractional business without having to figure it out piece by piece.
When you sign up, you'll get the entire system:
// Earn over 6-figures/year with 3 clients (no need to spend a dime on marketing or building a "personal brand")
// Have security and financial stability through 12-month contracts (that's more job security than working in-house)
// Get paid for your expertise (no more "other duties as assigned")
Fractional is a WIN-WIN for you AND the nonprofits you serve
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You get to:
// Make more money
// Work fewer hours
// Have time and location flexibility
// Enjoy a community of "colleagues"
// Have financial stability and predictability
// Be in control of your own destiny
// Choose who you get to work with
// Have an impact on the organizations you love and care about
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Nonprofits get to:
// Hire someone with a skill set way above their budget
// Have a plan developed and executed
// Benefit from day-to-day implementation of the function
// Have stability
// Worry less
// Get better results
Here’s how it works:
// Self-Study Lessons
Step-by-Step Instructions: Over 80 self-study lessons to take at your own pace that will walk you through our “business-in-a-box” framework, teaching you the core skill sets that will set you up for consulting success forever.
The curriculum is focused around two core skills: how to find clients and how to manage your work as a fractional consultant serving nonprofits. These are skills that stay with you for life.
// Templates Galore!
No More Guess Work: Templated business development emails, website, workflows, client materials and more. Over 35 templates to take the guess work out of your business and move you to action.
// Weekly Office Hours
You're not in this alone! Weekly office hours at least twice a week to support you through all the phases of your business. This includes group coaching (ask questions, get support) as well as peer-based feedback.
// Member Slack Community
Our community is the BEST! It's like having colleagues without the office politics. Share resources, support each other, and even send referrals.
Get a full behind-the-scenes walk through:
You have everything you need for a six-figure consultancy. except the system.
The OS offers you the only system built BY nonprofit fractionals FOR nonprofit fractionals - not generic business advice from people who think nonprofits run on "passion and purpose" alone.
If you want to stop second-guessing every business decision you make and finally get to running your consulting practice with confidence, now is the time to join us.
Even if imposter syndrome has you convinced you're not "consultant material."
Even if you feel like everyone else has it figured out except you.
Even if you're tired of being the most educated broke consultant in your network.
The OS can show you how to build the business your expertise deserves.
Prove that your worth isn't measured by how much you sacrifice.
"I had everything figured out except the part where I actually did it. Eight months of 'getting ready' got me zero clients. Three weeks of actual commitment got me a full roster. Now I'm turning away clients and raising my rates. The OS gave me the tools - I just had to stop being scared to use them."
- Brandon Lenzi, Fractional Fundraiser
"I used to say 'just tell me how much you can pay, and I'll figure it out.' I took whatever work I could find - city government, oil and gas, anything to keep revenue flowing. The OS completely shifted my mindset. Now when clients ask for work outside scope, I confidently say 'that's not in the budget.' I have repeat clients who value my expertise, and I'm raising my prices in September."
- Marcela Zafra, Fractional CMO
Meet your Coach: Cindy Wagman
Cindy is a former in-house nonprofit leader turned fundraising consultant turned business coach who's done with the nonprofit sector's toxic relationship with money and success.
She helps seasoned nonprofit professionals build six-figure consulting businesses - without the burnout, hustle, or one more board meeting that should've been an email. As the founder of the Nonprofit Fractionals Network, she's coached over 100 consultants to grow profitable, values-aligned fractional businesses that make room for both purpose and prosperity.
Cindy personally closed over $1 million in fractional contracts and built a $650K/year agency before walking away from it to teach others everything she’s learned. She's the author of Raise It! The Reluctant Fundraiser's Guide to Raising Money Without Selling Your Soul, former co-host of the Confessions with Jess and Cindy podcast, and host of Fracture, a podcast for nonprofit fractional executives who are done trying to fix broken systems from the inside.
She's armed with an MBA in strategy and change management and over two decades of nonprofit experience - plus zero patience for the sector's martyrdom complex.
Who is this for?
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The OS is perfect for you if:
✓ Have 7+ years of nonprofit experience and are ready to monetize that expertise without apologizing for it
✓ Want to escape the feast-or-famine cycle that's been keeping you broke and stressed
✓ Are tired of choosing between your mission and your mortgage like some twisted nonprofit Sophie's Choice
✓ Believe you can make great money AND create meaningful impact (revolutionary concept - I know!)
✓ Are ready to challenge the sector's toxic belief that suffering equals service
✓ Want a community of ambitious professionals who celebrate your wins instead of clutching their pearls when you raise your rates
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Maybe think twice if:
✗ You're looking for a quick fix or get-rich-quick scheme (this is about building something sustainable)
✗ You think charging premium rates means you don't care about the mission
✗ You're not willing to invest time and energy into building systems and relationships
✗ You want to stay comfortable in the "starving do-gooder" narrative
Stop perpetuating the broken system that keeps both consultants and nonprofits struggling.
start proving that successful consultants can create better outcomes for the organizations they serve.
REAL FRACTIONALS, REAL RESULTS
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Melanie Gibbons
Melanie went from in-house burnout to lunch with her kids and meetings only in the afternoon (and none on Fridays). "This isn't just business building—it's life reclaiming.”
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Yvette Kelly-Fields
Yvette kept her part-time job and with her Fractional business now earns $180,000/year. She’s hired a small team, including her daughter.
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Laurie De Fleuriot
Laurie went from 50-hour weeks at a hospital foundation—missing summers with her kids—to building a six-person team serving clients across North America.
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Josh Bowman
Josh was burned out from years of bureaucracy and politics. Four months into the OS, he was with 3-4 clients he actually likes, making more money than he ever did.
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Katy Pedersen
Katy loves the stability of long-term Fractional clients and has been working with some for over 3 years.
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Betty Xie
Betty grew a small agency serving 7 clients. With her team in place, she can take extended periods of time off.
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Sarah Stuewe
Sarah was able to modify her in-house role into Fractional position, allowing her to transition to consulting with no financial uncertainty.
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Janinie Ayoub
Janine has a few fractional clients on the go for financial sustainability, and is using her other time to build a tech platform.
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Virginia Almendarez
Virginia signed her first fractional client 82 days after joining.
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Sara Hoshooley
Sara went from revenue rollercoaster to having steady, predictable income.
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Laura Graham
Laura works with 2-3 clients while home schooling her son.
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Mandy Moody
Mandy replaced her ED salary within a year of starting the OS.
What It Costs vs. What It's Worth
Let's do some math that doesn't make you want to throw your calculator across the room.
The OS Investment: $700 USD/month for 12 months
But here's the thing—this isn't an expense. It's the smartest business decision you'll make this year. Here's why:
// One fractional client at $4K/month with a 12 month contract = $48K.
// Program pays for itself with your FIRST client
The money is nice. But the real return isn't financial… it's freedom.
It's finally knowing exactly what you're selling and how to talk about it without feeling like a fraud. It's having the skills to land clients without chasing every lead that moves. It's building a business that runs on your terms, not theirs.
It's taking actual vacations instead of "working remotely from the beach." Having dinner with your family without checking email under the table.
It's the confidence to say no to nightmare clients and yes to opportunities that actually excite you. It's charging rates that don't make you physically nauseous and having clients who see your pricing as an investment, not a burden.
The financial ROI pays for the program. The life ROI? That's priceless
Payment Options That Don't Require a Loan from Your In-Laws:
12-month payment plan
$700/
month
Maximum flexibility for those who need the breathing room. Because cash flow is real, and we're not going to pretend everyone has thousands sitting in their checking account.
One-time Payment
$7,500
save $900
Done and dusted. Get immediate access to everything and start your fractional journey without any monthly commitments hanging over your head.
LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT GUARANTEE
You have 30 days from the day you join the Nonprofit Fractional Operating System to decide whether this is actually right for you.
If it's not - wrong timing, something shifted, it's just not clicking - you email me and you get every dollar back. Doesn't matter if you paid $700 for the first month or the full $7,500 upfront. No conditions, no appeals process. It’s that simple. After the first 30 days, there are no refunds.
space is limited
Every month we accept 3 new members into the Operating System to ensure they get onboarded properly. Book a Call now to take your first step.
YOU’LL ALSO GET THESE BONUSES
SET YOUR BUSINESS MINI COURSE
If you’re starting from scratch, as in you’re leaving your job to do this, this mini course walks you through step-by-step how to register your business and set up the groundwork for success.
BRANDING ON A BUDGET MINI COURSE
Want to look good without spending thousands on branding? This mini course walks you through how to DIY your brand, and includes a free squarespace website template so you can be beautiful and online in a weekend.
train your ai bot MINI COURSE
Want AI to sound like you? Or use it with your clients? This mini course teaches you how to create and train your own AI bot (custom GPT) to save you time and get the most out of AI.
DISCOVERY CALL LIVE-REACT
Ever wished you could have someone dissect your discovery calls and give you second-by-second feedback? You can submit a discovery call and I’ll watch the whole thing and give you specific feedback on how to improve so you can close more clients.
PLAN REVIEW
You’ve landed your client and your first deliverable is a plan. But is it good? Is the scope appropriate? The timelines? I’ll do a deep review of your first plan before you present it to your client.
HEAR DIRECTLY FROM OUR ALUMNI
FAQs
About the Program
What exactly is the Nonprofit Fractional Operating System?
The OS is a 1-year training program that teaches you how to build a fractional consulting business serving nonprofits. You'll master two core skills: The Client Flow (finding and closing clients without being salesy) and The Work Flow (managing fractional work without burning out). Includes curriculum, weekly office hours, community access, templates, and a directory listing.
How is this different from traditional consulting?
Traditional consultants work on short-term projects and give advice. Fractional consultants work on long-term retainers (12+ months), handle both strategy AND implementation, and serve as part of the leadership team. You're not just advising—you're doing the work alongside them.
Is this only for fundraisers?
Not at all. The OS now serves all nonprofit functions—operations, HR, marketing, finance, technology, volunteer management, and more. It's the evolution of the Fractional Fundraiser Academy, expanded to support all nonprofit fractionals.
Is this only for people in North America?
Not at all! We have members in North America, Europe and Africa. This is a global movement!
Investment & Results
How much does it cost and what are the payment options?
The program is $700 USD/month for 12 months or save $900 when you pay in full ($7,500 USD)
It's a business expense and tax-deductible. Most members are cash-flow positive once they land their first client.
How long until I get my first client?
This varies based on how quickly you take action and whether you're still employed. The faster you implement, the faster you see results.
What kind of income can I realistically expect?
Members working with 3 clients earn $140,000-$180,000 annually. Your income depends on your rates, number of clients, and how much you want to work. With typical retainers of $4,000-5,000/month, three clients easily gets you to six figures. But it’s your business, so if you want to work less, that’s your choice!
Do you guarantee I'll get clients?
We teach you the repeatable system to find clients—that's the skill you'll use for years. People who show up, do the work, and follow the system consistently get results. We have a Love It or Leave It guarantee - if you aren’t happy within the first 30 days of your time in the program, you can leave!
Experience & Fit
How much experience do I need?
You should have senior-level experience in your functional area—enough that organizations would hire you for a leadership role. The fractional model works because you bring expertise nonprofits can't easily find or afford in-house. If you've been in the sector for several years implementing (not just advising), you're likely a good fit. I use 7 years of experience as a generally acceptable proxy for experience.
I'm currently employed. Can I start while I still have my job?
Yes. Many members start while employed, doing business development quietly before giving notice. The program helps you transition strategically rather than leaping without a plan.
I'm already consulting but stuck in feast-or-famine cycles. Will this help?
Absolutely. The OS teaches you how to structure your business around long-term retainer contracts instead of short-term projects, creating the predictability most consultants desperately want.
The Model
How many clients will I need?
Most fractional consultants work with 2-4 clients. Three clients at $4,000-5,000/month gets you to $144,000-$180,000 annually while working full-time hours (or fewer clients if you want flexibility).
Can this be done remotely?
Yes. While some fractionals meet clients in person occasionally, the model is designed to be remote. We have members working across different states, provinces, and even countries from their clients.
Program Details
Is the program self-paced?
Yes. The curriculum takes 2-3 months to complete and implement with short video lessons (most under 10 minutes). There are a total of just over 8.5 hours of curriculum. The 1-year timeline gives you space to find clients and get support while managing your first engagements. You can move as fast as your schedule allows.
What kind of support do I get?
Weekly office hours (live coaching and Q&A)
Monthly "over the shoulder" sessions
Direct access to Cindy via Slack for one-on-one questions
Active community of fractionals
Templates for proposals, contracts, and more
Directory listing
What if I can't make office hours live?
Recordings are available, but the real value is live participation. We recommend treating office hours as a priority—people who show up consistently get results faster.
What happens after 12 months?
You can continue as an Alumni Member for $159/month with continued access to everything plus quarterly masterminds. Many stay connected long-term; others graduate and run their businesses independently. Either way, you own the skills forever.
Still Have Questions?
We’ve got answers. Just email cindy@cindywagman.com or read our full Terms and Conditions HERE.
In 12 months you could still be explaining to your family why this consulting thing "just needs more time."
Or you could sign up for The OS and finally have a business that doesn't make you panic every time you check your bank account.
BOOK A CALL
Earnings disclaimer
YOUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ENTIRELY ON YOUR OWN EFFORT, MOTIVATION, COMMITMENT, AND FOLLOW-THROUGH. WE CANNOT PREDICT AND WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL ATTAIN A PARTICULAR RESULT, AND YOU ACCEPT AND UNDERSTAND THAT RESULTS DIFFER FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL. EACH INDIVIDUAL’S RESULTS DEPEND ON HIS OR HER UNIQUE BACKGROUND, DEDICATION, DESIRE, MOTIVATION, ACTIONS, AND NUMEROUS OTHER FACTORS. YOU FULLY AGREE THAT THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES AS TO THE SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR RESULTS YOU CAN EXPECT FROM USING THE INFORMATION YOU RECEIVE ON OR THROUGH THIS WEBSITE OR PRODUCT.
When you purchase our product, you understand that there is no guarantee that you will achieve any particular result or outcome using any of the ideas, tools, strategies or recommendations presented. We make no promises or warranties concerning your likelihood of success, performance, future earnings, business profits, marketing performance, customer growth, or results of any kind. You understand that with any business endeavor there is an inherent risk, including a loss of capital and loss of customers and therefore you assume all responsibility for any such risk.
EARNINGS DISCLAIMER. ANY EARNINGS OR INCOME STATEMENTS OR EXAMPLES SHOWN THROUGH OUR WEBSITE ARE ONLY ESTIMATES OF WHAT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE NOW OR IN THE FUTURE. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE AS TO ANY PARTICULAR FINANCIAL OUTCOME BASED ON THE USE OF OUR WEBSITE. YOU AGREE THAT I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR EARNINGS, THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF YOUR PERSONAL OR BUSINESS DECISIONS, THE INCREASE OR DECREASE OF YOUR FINANCES OR INCOME LEVEL, OR ANY OTHER RESULT OF ANY KIND THAT YOU MAY HAVE AS A RESULT OF THE INFORMATION PRESENTED TO YOU THROUGH OUR WEBSITE. YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR RESULTS.
TESTIMONIALS. I PRESENT TESTIMONIALS AND INSIGHTS ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE’S EXPERIENCES WITH MY WEBSITE FOR PURPOSES OF ILLUSTRATION ONLY. THE TESTIMONIALS, EXAMPLES, AND PHOTOS USED ARE OF ACTUAL CLIENTS. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT OR GUARANTEE THAT CURRENT OR FUTURE CLIENTS WILL ACHIEVE THE SAME OR SIMILAR RESULTS; RATHER, THESE TESTIMONIALS REPRESENT WHAT IS POSSIBLE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.