Alleviating Board Burnout: Rekindling the Passion in Nonprofit Directors

Much like in the business world, in the world of nonprofits, the dedication of the Board of Directors is a driving force. Having a passionate leader can be a catalyst for change. But even the most committed individuals can experience burnout. The challenges of the nonprofit sector — big fundraising goals, unproductive board meetings, lack of volunteers, and lots to do with little time — can take a toll on any board member.

Let’s explore some strategies to alleviate board member burnout and keep nonprofit directors motivated and inspired.

Remembering the “Why”

One of the fundamental ways to reignite the flame with your nonprofit board is to remind them why they are doing this work in the first place. Nonprofit groups exist to make a positive impact on their communities (and the world). Often, when board members feel overwhelmed, they have lost sight of this mission.

Encourage board members to revisit the mission and vision of your nonprofit. Remind them of the profound difference they are making by sharing personal stories of those whose lives have been impacted by the group’s work. Regularly revisit goals and celebrate the progress made toward them.

Celebrating Wins

Nonprofit work can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, with the finish line constantly moving further away. In these moments, it’s crucial to celebrate your nonprofit’s wins, no matter how minor they may seem.

Recognize group and individual achievements as you celebrate small wins that can lead to larger victories. These milestones might be all someone needs to create positive momentum.

Get Creative with Volunteer Requests

Attracting volunteers young and old can be a challenge for any group. When board members have to fill in for a lack of volunteers, they can get bogged down and burnout will set in. Do everything you can to promote and celebrate volunteers at every turn, with events like National Volunteer Week and printable thank you cards.

If a board member is pulling more weight than a fellow board member, things may go south quickly. You may also want to try to distribute the work as evenly and fairly as possible. Utilize your different directors’ diverse skills to allow each person to contribute in ways that are familiar to them.

Self Care and Support

Remember, board members are people too. Oftentimes they have personal lives and responsibilities that they care deeply about, so do what you can to give them time for that, and then some. Provide emotional support and promote conversions about mental health. Encourage people to take breaks when needed and implement policies that encourage flexibility.

Offer support to board members as a peer. This could come in the form of a “hey, how are ya?” conversation starter or going so far as to establish a peer support group.

Keep Morale High and Burnout Low

Avoid board member burnout to maintain the commitment of your directors. These strategies can help, but remember: it’s not just about avoiding burnout. It’s about sustaining a legacy of positive change for your nonprofit.