Burnout A Growing Nonprofit Concern
Nonprofit employees are some of the unsung heroes of our community. They provide essential services, advocate for others and bring people together to improve our community. From food banks and shelters to arts organizations and environmental groups, nonprofits play a vital role in the overall health and well-being of our society.
This tireless work comes at a significant cost, one that has increased since the pandemic. Burnout has become a primary concern for nonprofit leaders and staff nationwide. The State of Nonprofits 2024 report by the Center for Effective Philanthropy found that 95% of nonprofit leaders find burnout a major concern for their organization, and 75% say burnout affects their ability to achieve their mission. This is not just a national problem; in our conversations with local leaders, The Community Foundation has heard of burnout affecting nonprofits in our community.
Long hours, heavy workloads, and limited funding can all contribute to this complex problem. Additionally, the emotional toll of working in fields such as social services can be particularly challenging.
Addressing nonprofit burnout is critical for the sustainability of our community's vital organizations. The Community Foundation is working to combat nonprofit burnout in Hancock County in several ways. Our organizational strengthening program provides nonprofits with training, resources, and support to improve their operations and build a healthier work environment. The nonprofit advocacy program funded by the Foundation works to connect organizations and lawmakers to leverage funding for Hancock County. Additionally, I host a regular gathering of nonprofit executives. This year, I’ve dedicated my annual pool of president’s discretionary grant funds to support staff appreciation efforts, group self-care opportunities and team-building activities for local organizations.
This issue will not be solved in a month or with one round of funding. I encourage donors and funders to join the Foundation in supporting our nonprofits in this meaningful way. By addressing the issue of burnout, we can ensure that these vital organizations continue to thrive and serve the needs of our community for years to come. Together, we can create a more sustainable and supportive environment for our community's nonprofits.
This editorial was originally printed in The Courier Thursday, August 29, 2024.
