Feeling Fundraising Burnout

I have written quite a bit in the last 6 months about how the fundraising landscape has changed as a result of COVID-19 and offered tips and suggestions to help navigate the new reality. But let’s be real: it is not easy to raise money these days. In my work, I am receiving more “no’s” than I am used to and it takes longer to get to “yes”. The difficulty in raising money in these times combined with the many pressures, stressors and anxiety that people are experiencing as a result of the pandemic can lead to feelings of burnout.

Take A Break

There is the tendency in fundraising to plug along. Every day is focused on meeting the needs of donors and reaching out to new prospects. It can be hard to disrupt the routine and step away, but it’s important to take time off – both shorter breaks and longer periods are helpful. On Friday’s, I often put up an out of office message in order to focus on writing. I find that having a few hours per week of unscheduled open time allows my brain to recharge and gives me time to think. Try taking 90 minutes per week to step back and slow down. To the extent possible, focus your mind away from tasks and think more broadly about your work and long term goals. I find that thinking about how my daily work impacts my long term goals to be a helpful approach. Be sure to take vacation as well and really, truly unplug. It’s harder to do these days, but to the extent possible wrap up loose ends and then disconnect.

Tackle The Most Difficult Tasks First

I adopted this tactic over 15 years ago. I make a daily to-do list and then I do the most difficult task first to get it out of the way. It can be making prospect calls, writing a proposal, tackling administrative tasks. Whatever it is, schedule 30 minutes and get it out of the way. I use the Pomodoro technique and the Focus Keeper app to track my time and hold me accountable. For longer projects, I break it into 30 minutes blocks of time with 5 minute breaks. I find I experience a great sense of both accomplishment and relief when I complete a work period. Oftentimes I roll right into the next one. Using this method early in my day allows me more time later in the day and relieves stress. I can’t recommend it enough.

Better Organize Your Time

There is a lot of repetition in fundraising: send emails, write thank you notes, make calls. To the extent you can, bunch these tasks together. If you need to send 5 impact reports to donors, gather the information and send them one after the other. Doing so saves time and focuses your mind.

Talk With Colleagues

The tips I’ve shared so far are tactical. They help with focus and time management which leads to days that are less hectic, therefore alleviating burnout. But sometimes it helps to talk about burnout and feelings of struggle and frustration. One of the most effective techniques to employ is talking to a trusted colleague. Talking with someone who may feel the same way and understands the pressures can both serve as an outlet for conversation and a forum for discussing solutions.