Consultant Spotlight: Abideen Onigbanjo

At Fox Fractional, we are fortunate to work alongside leaders whose depth of experience, strategic insight, and passion for mission-driven work elevate every organization they support. This month, we’re highlighting one of those leaders: Abideen Onigbanjo, a seasoned development professional whose 15-year career spans policy advocacy, international grant auditing, and comprehensive grants management for complex public-sector portfolios.

Abideen’s path into nonprofit development has been shaped by both curiosity and conviction—moving from economic development lobbying to global health compliance work, and later to overseeing the full lifecycle of grants in the District of Columbia. His journey reflects a rare blend of strategic thinking and operational expertise, informed by a belief in equity, community investment, and the power of well-managed resources to fuel meaningful change.

In this interview, Abideen shares what inspires him, why he views nonprofit development as an ever-evolving puzzle, and which nonprofit leader he’d most like to learn from. His perspective offers a thoughtful look at the intersection of purpose, process, and impact—core elements of strong, sustainable organizational growth.

Read on to learn more about Abideen’s story, the work that motivates him, and the values that guide his approach to supporting mission-driven teams.

Tell us all about you!

I entered the nonprofit development space 15 years ago, shortly after completing graduate school, and my career has allowed me to experience this work from multiple angles. I began as a lobbyist for a nonprofit focused on economic development, advocating on behalf of communities and organizations striving for equitable opportunities. Over time, my work expanded internationally as I began performing financial audits of grant recipients under federal agencies such as USAID — particularly in support of global health initiatives. Before joining Fox, I managed the full spectrum of grant activity in the District of Columbia, from pursuing and securing funding to developing cost-allocation models, reimbursement calculations, and conducting grant receipt audits. That journey has given me a deep appreciation for both the strategic and operational sides of nonprofit development.

Why do you love your work/profession?

What I love most about this field is the constant sense of exploration. Nonprofit development is, in many ways, a puzzle—one where the pieces are scattered, and it’s our job to find them, fit them together, and ultimately build something meaningful. I enjoy digging into the details, connecting goals to funding opportunities, and articulating how a mission can move forward with the right support. It’s a dynamic conversation that requires curiosity, persistence, and the ability to advocate not just for funding, but for impact. That combination of strategy and purpose is what keeps me inspired.

If you were to meet the founder or CEO of any non-profit, who would it be and why? 

If I could sit down with any nonprofit founder or CEO, it would be Shaun Donovan of Enterprise Community Partners. Enterprise brings together several areas I’m passionate about—real estate, construction, community development, and the creation of housing that strengthens the social fabric of a community. I believe housing is a fundamental component of quality of life, and Enterprise’s work reflects a deep commitment to advancing that belief. Their mission aligns closely with my own values, and I would welcome the opportunity to explore how our work could intersect—learning more about their vision, their approach, and how we might collaborate to advance shared goals.

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