Nonprofit Burnout

Current events and an unsettled funding landscape are conspiring to push nonprofit executives to the brink yet our work is more important than ever. A 2025 article reported that over 50% of nonprofit executives reported burnout severe enough to consider leaving their roles, posing significant risks to organizational stability and mission fulfillment. This finding corroborates an earlier study of grant professionals from across the country, which indicated that 84% of respondents suffer from the symptoms of burnout, including exhaustion, sleeplessness, fatigue, and poor concentration. High rates of burnout have been found throughout the nonprofit sector and the situation is only getting worse.

So how do we persevere when we’re beyond tired but know that our communities need us?

The Stockdale Paradox is a concept popularized by Jim Collins in Good to Great, based on the experiences of Admiral James Stockdale, the highest-ranking U.S. military officer held captive during the Vietnam War. Stockdale never doubted he would survive and knew he would eventually “turn the experience into the defining moment of his life.” The paradox is that: “You must maintain unwavering faith that you will prevail in the end, while simultaneously confronting the brutal facts of your current reality.” And let’s be clear, it’s brutal out there. Our nonprofits are living with: Unpredictable public funding; Policy volatility; Increased demand; Burnout and workforce shortages; Administrative burdens; Rising operating costs; and Competition for limited philanthropic dollars.

So how do we push through?

Joy – Learn the difference between Doomscrolling and Joyscrolling. Doomscrolling happens passively and often feels compulsive. Joyscrolling is intentional and can be a self-care practice. Basically this means that news sites are stressful while other corners of the internet bring joy (baby animals, baking videos, humor, etc.).

Community – We can build community everywhere, even on our phones. Try Joy Buddy Check-Ins to build connection and reduce isolation. Find a partner; each checks in weekly with a positive reflection or small compliment. Those memes we all send around can be used to create a powerful emotional support network.

Move – Seriously, get up from your chair. Take a walk, throw a one-person dance party, rake leaves for fun, anything, just get up for awhile.

Play – There’s a reason Adult Fans of Legos (AFOLs) groups are popping up all over. Like Paint & Sip parties, physically playing is a tactile experience. Play allows adults to explore new ideas, experiment, and see problems from different perspectives. All types of crafts, puzzles, and games are beneficial.

Breathe – We’ve all heard this and many of us have personal mantras. The internet is full of “10 Breathing Exercises to Try When You’re Feeling Stressed” but you don’t need special instructions, just breathe deeply and slowly.

What’d we miss? Drop us a line to tell us how you’re pushing through the end of year madness.