By Andrew Allanson
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to pause and reflect on the mental health challenges that fundraisers face, especially here in the busy and demanding San Francisco Bay Area. In the world of fundraising, mental health often takes a back seat to meeting goals and maintaining donor relationships, but prioritizing wellness is essential for long-term success and personal well-being.
The Mental Health Challenges of Fundraising
Fundraising is deeply rewarding but comes with its own set of pressures. Fundraisers often carry the emotional weight of hearing personal stories from the communities they serve. This emotional labor can be especially taxing in social justice or health nonprofits, where it’s common to hear about hardship, loss and resilience. Over time, this can lead to compassion fatigue, where the constant exposure to others’ pain and struggles becomes overwhelming.
On top of that, there is persistent pressure to meet ambitious financial goals. This can be even more stressful when targets are set without considering the team’s capacity or the historical challenges of previous campaigns. When goals are missed, it can leave fundraisers feeling guilty, anxious or inadequate. Donor rejection or the shifting dynamics of relationships with key supporters only adds to the stress and instability fundraisers experience.
How Organizations Can Support Fundraiser Well-Being
Organizations can play a key role in supporting the mental well-being of their fundraising teams. One of the most important steps is setting realistic, achievable goals and involving fundraisers in the process. By including them in goal-setting, organizations ensure that targets are not only more attainable but also that staff feel valued and heard. Offering mental health days or flexible work schedules during busy campaign periods shows that the organization recognizes the importance of balancing work and personal well-being.
Creating a culture where talking about mental health is normalized is equally important. When leadership fosters open conversations about mental wellness, it breaks down stigma and encourages others to seek support. Building boundaries around donor relationships is another way to prevent emotional burnout. As Matt Easterwood, founder and CEO of Queer for Hire, states, “Organizations should treat mental health not as a perk but as a core workplace value.” Leadership that prioritizes mental wellness sends a powerful message to the entire team about the importance of self-care.
Preventing Burnout in the Bay Area
Burnout is a significant concern for many fundraisers, particularly in the Bay Area, where high living costs and work expectations can feel overwhelming. Fundraisers can take proactive steps to prevent burnout by setting clear boundaries around their work hours, emails and availability for donors. Making time for mindfulness practices or reflection throughout the week can also reduce stress. Connecting with peers who understand the pressures of the fundraising world can offer a much-needed support network.
Organizations can help by planning for cycles of work that allow for rest and recovery. After a major campaign, it is vital to build in time for staff to recharge rather than immediately jumping into the next goal. Cross-department collaboration can also help fundraisers avoid feeling isolated, and offering professional development opportunities that focus on resilience rather than just technical skills can strengthen both personal and professional well-being.
Advocating for Mental Health in the Workplace
One of the most impactful ways organizations can support mental health is by treating it as a core workplace value. This could include offering mental health resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), therapy options or counseling services as part of their benefits package. Training leadership to recognize and address burnout proactively can also make a big difference.
Creating spaces for fundraisers to debrief after emotionally difficult stories helps to alleviate the emotional weight of their work. Leadership can further support mental well-being by modeling healthy behavior, such as taking regular time off and avoiding overwork. As Matt Easterwood points out, “Leadership must model mental wellness behaviors like taking time off, seeking support and not glamorizing overwork.” When leaders take care of their own well-being, it encourages the rest of the team to do the same.
Putting Self-Care First
Fundraisers often dedicate themselves to giving to others, but it is important to remember that self-care is not selfish. It is necessary. During Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s commit to supporting each other, taking care of ourselves and advocating for healthier workplace practices across the fundraising sector.
If you are a fundraiser in the Bay Area seeking support or looking to connect with others who understand your challenges, the AFP Golden Gate Chapter is here to help. Let’s continue the conversation and make mental well-being a priority, not just in May, but all year round.