Strategic Fundraising Leadership, When You Need It Most
Not every organization needs a full-time chief development officer. But every organization does need strong development leadership — especially during seasons of change, growth, or uncertainty.
At Connection Collaborative, we provide fractional and interim chief development officer services to help nonprofits strengthen fundraising strategy, build donor relationships, and create sustainable systems — without the commitment of a full-time role.
Whether you're filling a gap, planning a campaign, or building something new, our fractional chief fundraising officers meet you where you are and lead with purpose, strategy, and care.
What Our Fractional CDO Services Include
Strategic Planning & Execution
We develop and implement custom fundraising strategies tailored to your mission, your moment, and your team. From short-term boosts to long-term vision, we help you clarify your goals and move toward them with confidence.
Team & Infrastructure Support
From coaching junior staff to evaluating systems and processes, we help you build the internal capacity to sustain your fundraising success — even after we’re gone.
Donor Engagement & Stewardship
Our interim development leaders don’t just manage portfolios — they build relationships. We work with your team to nurture new and existing donors with personalized communication, impact storytelling, and thoughtful recognition.
Capital Campaign & Major Gift Readiness
Thinking big? We help organizations launch or strengthen major fundraising initiatives with clear messaging, targeted strategy, and day-to-day leadership that keeps things moving and aligned.
Grant Strategy & Institutional Fundraising
Need support on the institutional side? We offer high-level guidance on grant calendars, application strategy, and funder relationships — often in partnership with our dedicated grant writing team.
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What You Can Expect from Our Fractional Fundraising Leaders
● Seasoned strategy, values-based leadership. Our fractional CDOs are experienced executives who lead with clarity, compassion, and integrity.
● No gap left behind. We offer stability and direction during staff transitions — keeping your development operations strong and focused.
● More impact, less burnout. We save your team time and stress by taking on the strategic load, so they can do what they do best.
● Tailored support, not one-size-fits-all. Every engagement is different. We align with your budget, your timeline, and your goals.
● A partner in your corner. We’re not here to critique from the sidelines — we’re embedded, present, and walking alongside you.
When to Hire a Fractional Chief Development Officer
If your organization is in a moment of growth, change, or recalibration, hiring a fractional chief development officer or interim chief fundraising officer can be the bridge you need. We work with:
● Nonprofits between permanent hires
● Organizations launching or revitalizing fundraising efforts
● Teams needing temporary, senior-level fundraising support
● Boards seeking outside insight before committing to long-term investments
As your fractional chief fundraising officer, we don’t just manage — we lead with purpose. We will bring clarity to complex challenges, energize your staff, and turn high-level vision into daily action.
Who We Work With
Our part-time fundraising executives and interim chief development officers have worked across sectors — from health and education to economic mobility, the arts, and justice movements. We’re proud to partner with:
● Nonprofits navigating leadership transitions or executive searches
● Founders and EDs ready to grow beyond founder-led fundraising
● Coalitions and collaboratives launching shared development efforts
● Organizations planning major campaigns or new funding initiatives
What Makes Connection Collaborative Different?
There are plenty of consultants who offer fractional fundraising support — but few who approach it like we do. We lead with warmth and wisdom, curiosity and clarity. We build relationships, not dependencies. And we care deeply about your team, your mission, and your community.
We believe your fundraising strategy should feel like an authentic extension of your values — and that the right leadership, even part-time, can create long-term transformation.
Whether you’re seeking a fractional chief fundraising officer (CFO), interim chief development officer, or part-time fundraising executive, we’d be honored to step in — and help you move forward with confidence.
Your next chapter of growth deserves experienced, mission-aligned leadership. We’re here to make it happen.