In recent months, I’ve spoken with countless fundraisers who are facing an uncomfortable and exhausting truth: they’re being asked to do more with less.
“I’m doing the work of three people right now because of layoffs.”
“We just lost a major grant, but leadership still expects us to hit the same revenue goals.”
“Our department hasn’t hired in over a year—and there’s no plan to.”
“We’ve had to slash our program budget, and now donors are asking tough questions we can’t easily answer.”
These aren’t isolated complaints. This is the current reality for many in the non-profit world. Between budget cuts, hiring freezes, and funding uncertainty, fundraisers are stretched thin, and burnout is creeping in from all sides.
But here’s the hard part: this pressure to overextend yourself didn’t start with today’s financial challenges. It’s been part of the non-profit culture for years. We’ve normalized the idea that to “do good,” we have to overwork, over-give, and ignore our own needs in the process.
And that’s a problem.
There’s a message—sometimes subtle, sometimes not—that says:
“If you set boundaries or prioritize your well-being, you must not care enough.”
“If you take time off, you’re letting the mission down.”
“If you’re overwhelmed, just work harder.”
Let me tell you that none of that is true. If you want to be effective in your work and truly serve your donors and your mission, you have to take care of yourself first. There is space for self-care in philanthropy. And it’s not selfish. It’s strategic.
So, where do we begin? Let me offer a few practical ways to start reclaiming your energy and balance:
Boundaries are essential. They help you stay focused on what matters and prevent burnout. Ask yourself: What do I need to protect my time and energy? Then communicate that clearly with your team and supervisor.
Look at your workload. Are you doing tasks outside your core role as a fundraiser? If your plate is full of extra responsibilities—events, direct mail, planned giving—you need to have a conversation about shifting those off your plate.
Self-care looks different for everyone. Whether it’s time outside, connecting with friends, or simply taking a break, identify what helps you recharge and do more of it.
What drains you? What causes stress or fatigue? Pay attention to patterns and take note of the situations that push you toward burnout so you can manage them more effectively.
That voice in your head telling you to “do more” or “try harder”? Start shifting it. Speak to yourself the way you’d speak to a colleague—with grace, kindness, and encouragement.
Non-profit work will always be challenging, but it shouldn’t be depleting. You’re more effective when you’re grounded, rested, and clear-headed. And your donors will benefit from the version of you that’s energized, creative, and fully present.
Self-care isn’t a destination—it’s a daily practice. Start small. Take intentional steps each day to protect your well-being, and remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
We’re here to support you. Not just in your work, but in your journey toward greater balance and sustainability.