The Importance of Self Care

September is National Self-Care Awareness Month. Findings in the Nonprofit Voice Project's State of Nonprofits 2024: What Funders Need to Know contends that burnout from a lack of support, resources, capacity, or staff is the most prominent concern for nonprofit leaders and staff. Additionally, the study shows that in the years 2023 and 2024, a preponderance of nonprofit leaders felt that funders were providing non-grant support and streamlining processes to create less barriers to funding for nonprofits. It is important for nonprofit organizations and their constituents to advocate, budget for, or financially support activities that include relaxation, revitalization, and stress relief.

Intentional Self-Care Can Make a Real Difference

Triangle Capacity-Building Network (TCBN) recently celebrated the successful first year of its multi-year grant initiative, which included a new, innovative element: a $2,000 professional development and self-care fund for each of its 15 grantees. This fund, in addition to the core grant, provided a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to prioritize the well-being of their staff, with a focus on fostering a supportive and healthy work environment.

Feedback from the entire cohort of grantees confirmed that the self-care stipends were instrumental in improving organizational cohesion, reducing anxiety and depression among staff, and ultimately boosting overall organizational impact.

The most common uses for the stipends were staff retreats and shared meals. An executive director from a TCBN-funded organization highlighted the profound effect of shared meals, stating, "Sharing a meal gave folks permission to stop and take care of themselves and created a shared space to be in community more casually. Shared meals made a huge difference in folks' interest and engagement during meetings." The director noted that for many staff members, a shared meal was not just about food; it was a way to overcome feelings of exclusion and find a moment for connection amid busy workdays.

The success of this program reinforces funder commitments to holistic support for the Triangle's nonprofit community, recognizing that healthy, supported staff are essential for building a resilient and impactful organization.