Finding Joy in the Mission: How to Avoid Burnout and Stay Grounded in the Why

One of the most important things I remind fundraisers to do—especially when they’re running on fumes—is to take a “mission moment.”

When burnout starts creeping in, it’s not always about doing less. Sometimes it’s about reconnecting to what lights you up in the first place.

Back when I worked at the Cleveland Zoological Society, I created my own version of this. I called it “Baby Animal Time.” Whenever I was stressed or overwhelmed, I would step away from my desk and visit the exhibit with the newest baby animal. With just a few minutes hanging beside those fuzzy little reminders of wonder and innocence, I could feel my shoulders relax.

It grounded me. It reminded me why the work mattered—and why I mattered in it.

We always talk about YMADing (You Made a Difference) our donors. But it’s equally important to YMAD ourselves—to take a moment to recognize the impact you are making. Your work matters, and you deserve to feel that.

Another thing I encourage our clients to do is create space for celebration, even when (especially when) things feel hard. At Veritus, we have a Celebrations Slack channel where we share everything from a successful donor meeting to finally checking something off a long to-do list. Big or small, these wins matter. On dark days, seeing what is working can make all the difference.

And here’s something else that consistently helps our clients: fully embracing the Veritus structure—especially the Donor Engagement Plan (DEP). I’ve heard from many fundraisers, even those who don’t consider themselves natural planners, that the DEP actually reduces stress.

“Using this DEP has been great, because now I don’t really have to think as much when I’m in the thick of things with donor communications,” one client told me. “It’s all planned out in front of me—I just have to do it.”

Another newer client shared that at his previous job, he was expected to raise money without any guidance. Now, he “lives and dies” by his calendar and blocked DEP time. For him, the structure has made fundraising more enjoyable—and helped him focus more deeply on donor relationships, because the plan is already in place.

So if you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or like you're losing sight of the bigger picture, give yourself a “mission moment.” Celebrate something—anything. And lean into the tools and structure that can support you.

You do make a difference, and the world needs your energy and your heart.

Theresa