Burnout in the nonprofit world is real. It can lead to disillusionment, frustration, and even losing sight of why you started this work in the first place. But it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Organizations can create environments where staff and volunteers stay motivated and engaged by building a culture of support, prioritizing well-being, and acknowledging the challenges of nonprofit work. In today’s podcast, Jo Stone from The Balance Institute and Stephen Halasnik from Financing Solutions, the leading provider of nonprofit lines of credit (a line of credit is similar to an on-demand business loan for nonprofit organizations) discuss burnout in nonprofits: why it happens and how to prevent it.

Understanding Burnout In Nonprofits

Working in the nonprofit sector is deeply rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. The passion and dedication that drive nonprofit professionals and volunteers often come at a cost—long hours, limited resources, and emotional strain can lead to burnout. When those who give so much start to feel depleted, both the individuals and the mission they serve suffer. Understanding nonprofit burnout and how to prevent it is key to sustaining a healthy, motivated workforce and keeping organizations thriving.

Why Nonprofit Burnout Happens

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It sneaks up over time, often disguised as dedication and commitment. Many people enter the nonprofit world with a deep sense of purpose, but without the right support, that passion can turn into exhaustion. Recognizing why burnout happens is the first step in addressing it.

Here are some of the biggest contributors to burnout in the nonprofit world:

  • Emotional Labor – Many nonprofit workers engage directly with people in crisis or tackle big social issues, leading to compassion fatigue.
  • Limited Resources – Tight budgets often mean employees wear multiple hats, stretching themselves thin.
  • High Expectations with Low Compensation – Many nonprofit roles demand long hours and intense commitment but offer lower pay than corporate jobs.
  • Lack of Boundaries – The mission-driven nature of nonprofit work makes it hard to disconnect, leading to constant stress.
  • Volunteer Burnout – Even volunteers, driven by their passion, can experience burnout when they’re overcommitted or underappreciated.

Tell-Tale Signs of Burnout

Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s a deeper sense of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. Although it can manifest in different ways for different people, there are common warning signs that indicate when someone is struggling. When nonprofit professionals or volunteers start experiencing burnout, their motivation dwindles, their frustration rises, and their well-being suffers. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to long-term consequences. Common tell-tale signs of burnout include:

  • Feeling constantly drained, no matter how much rest you get
  • Loss of enthusiasm and decreased productivity
  • Cynicism or detachment from the mission
  • Increased irritability or frustration
  • Physical symptoms like headaches or trouble sleeping

Recognizing these signs early and taking action can prevent burnout from escalating.

How to Prevent Nonprofit Burnout

Avoiding burnout goes beyond just working fewer hours. It demands creating a culture where people feel supported, valued, and able to thrive. Here’s how nonprofit professionals, leaders, and organizations can build a healthier work environment:

Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Many nonprofit workers put their mission first, often at the expense of their well-being, even to the point of feeling guilty for taking time for themselves. But taking care of yourself allows you to take care of others more effectively. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, hobbies, or simply taking breaks, making self-care a priority prevents burnout before it starts.

Embrace Curiosity and Compassion

Burnout often stems from feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Encouraging curiosity allows individuals to approach challenges with a fresh perspective rather than feeling weighed down by stress. Compassion—both for oneself and others—helps build resilience and creates a more supportive workplace culture. Leaders can foster this mindset by promoting open conversations, problem-solving discussions, and a judgment-free work environment..

Stop Chasing External Validation

Many nonprofit professionals tie their self-worth to the impact they make, which can be emotionally draining. While making a difference is rewarding, it’s important to separate personal identity from professional success. Focusing on internal satisfaction rather than outside praise can help maintain long-term motivation.

Create a Supportive Workplace Culture

A strong support system is essential for preventing burnout. Organizations should create an environment where employees feel heard, valued, and supported. Regular check-ins, team-building activities, and open communication go a long way in building a positive culture.

Encourage Work-Life Balance

It’s easy to let work spill into personal life, especially in mission-driven roles. Nonprofits should encourage employees to set boundaries, take time off, and disconnect when needed. Flexible work arrangements and realistic expectations can help maintain balance.

Invest in Professional Growth

When employees feel stagnant, burnout becomes more likely. Providing opportunities for professional development—training, mentorship, or skill-building workshops—keeps people engaged and motivated.

Recognize and Celebrate Contributions

Appreciation matters. A simple thank-you, a shout-out in a meeting, or a small token of appreciation can boost morale and remind employees and volunteers that their work is valued.

Distribute Workload Fairly

Leaders should ensure that no one person is carrying too much. Setting realistic expectations, delegating effectively, and bringing in extra help when needed can prevent employees from feeling overwhelmed.

Offer Mental Health Support

Nonprofits should prioritize mental health by offering access to counseling, wellness programs, and peer support groups. When employees feel safe seeking help, they’re more likely to manage stress healthily.

How to Manage Nonprofit Burnout

Even with the best prevention strategies, burnout can still happen. When it does, it’s important to take intentional steps to recover and reset. Managing burnout isn’t just about taking time off—it’s about changing how you work and care for yourself to avoid falling into the same cycle again.

Recognize the Burnout

Acknowledging that you’re burnt out is the first step to recovery. Many people push through exhaustion, hoping it will pass, but ignoring burnout only makes it worse. Be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling.

Identify What Led to Burnout

Take a step back and analyze the factors that contributed to your burnout. Was it an excessive workload? Lack of support? lack of boundaries? Or unrealistic expectations? Understanding the root cause can help you make meaningful changes. Such as setting clear boundaries and knowing when to say no.

Discard Limiting Beliefs

Often, burnout is exacerbated by self-imposed pressures, such as perfectionism or feeling solely responsible for an organization’s success. Challenging these beliefs and recognizing personal limitations can alleviate stress and improve mental well-being.

Build a Healthier Mindset

Work should not come at the expense of well-being. Creating a healthier relationship with work, one that includes boundaries, self-care, and realistic expectations, ensures long-term sustainability and fulfillment.

Give Yourself Time to Rest

Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Prioritizing rest and recovery, including taking time off or reducing your workload when possible, can help you recharge. Short breaks, vacations, or even daily mindfulness practices can help reset energy levels.

Seek Support

Talk to a mentor, supervisor, or counselor about what you’re experiencing. Connecting with others who understand can provide both emotional relief and practical strategies to cope.

About Our Guest, Jo Stone, From The Balance Institute

Jo Stone is a former corporate executive turned entrepreneur and the founder of The Balance Institute. After burnout led her to the hospital, Jo rebuilt her life by redefining success on her own terms. She now helps ambitious women overcome burnout, rewire subconscious patterns, and create meaningful, balanced lives.

Learn About Stephen Halasnik

Stephen Halasnik is a Managing Partner at Financing Solutions, the largest provider of lines of credit to small nonprofits in 48 states since 2012. Mr. Halasnik has hosted the popular The Nonprofit MBA Podcast since 2018. The podcast brings experts together to discuss fundraising, nonprofit grants, executive director leadership, nonprofit boards, and other essential topics. You can learn more about the nonprofit line of credit program here.