As part of Mental Health Month, our features during May and June 2023 will focus on mental health. Visit our website to find a list of resources to support your mental health initiatives.

There is a period of Becky Endicott’s life that she refers to as “the time when I lost my marbles” — her euphemism for a mental-health crisis she experienced four years ago.

Endicott is a former fundraiser and co-founder of We Are for Good, a company that produces a podcast and offers professional development resources for nonprofit workers. She made that career change after a nervous breakdown she blames on “almost two decades of burnout and grind.” Her health crisis pushed her to take 12 weeks of medical leave in 2019 — pressing pause for the first time in her career and transforming her outlook on the nonprofit sector.

Like so many fundraisers, Endicott felt guilty about putting her own health needs ahead of both her professional responsibilities and a nonprofit mission she was passionate about.

“When we’re tied to what we do professionally, and that’s what people know us for — being a strong employee or a productive employee — to ask for help is really hard,” says Ian Adair, director of leadership development and credentialing at the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Fundraisers who work on small teams are especially hesitant to ask for support, Adair says. When you know your colleagues are also overextended, asking them to help you can feel like adding one more task to their already overfilled plate.

There is no simple solution to a problem as endemic as burnout is to the nonprofit sector. But leaders, fundraisers, and experts say there is a common cause: exhaustion. Unfamiliarity with the physical signs of stress and burnout can prevent fundraisers from taking the breaks they need to recover. Deep personal ties to the mission and leaders who minimize the need for rest can push nonprofit professionals to work more than is healthy.

Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in our society, providing essential services to those in need and making our communities better and stronger. However, they’re sometimes the most vulnerable to shifts and trends, and the first industry to have to face challenges that could threaten their future. As macroeconomic trends continue to shift the trajectory of how we live, work, and collaborate, it’s critical for non-profit leaders to stay informed and ahead of the curve.

What are some of the biggest threats to non-profit organizations in 2023, and how do non-profit leaders find the bandwidth to tackle them?

One of the biggest challenges non-profit organizations have always faced is funding. In recent years, there’s been a decline in government funding for non-profits, and this trend is likely to continue in 2023 and beyond. You can hardly visit any news source today without tripping over a story about the turbulent economic conditions we’re facing. And that means non-profit organizations need to take extraordinary measures to secure and safeguard their sources of funding. This could mean finding new ways to raise money, such as through strategic private donations, corporate sponsorships, or developing a cause marketing campaign.

As the job market remains competitive across virtually every industry, another challenge facing non-profit organizations is staffing shortages. The non-profit sector can face additional challenges trying to match generous compensation and benefit packages, and it has become increasingly difficult to find and retain qualified staff.

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site has scheduled the unveiling of more than $6 million in improvements to the historic landmark, including a new portico and commons area, a presidential promenade, and a new pedestrian pathway. The site has a mission of educating the public about the only U.S. president elected from Indiana. Learn more

The Indy Arts Council, the Marion County Capital Improvement Board, and Pacers Sports & Entertainment have announced a partnership to develop the final art project in the City of Indianapolis Bicentennial Legends Series. The new mural, which includes portraits of 43 Indianapolis legends, will be featured on the east wall of the Steak n Shake building overlooking Bicentennial Unity Plaza. Learn more

The Indianapolis Foundation, part of the Central Indiana Community Foundation philanthropic collaborative, has awarded $2.8 million in responsive grants to organizations that align with the foundation’s mission. The funds will help the recipients mobilize people, ideas, and investments that make Indianapolis a community where all individuals have equitable opportunity to reach their full potential. Learn more

The Indy Meridian Foundation is welcoming applicants for its third round of Arago Honors for innovating nonprofits in Central Indiana. Award recipients will each receive a $10,000 unrestricted award. The online application is due Aug. 1 at midnight. A learning Zoom session will be held on June 23 at 1:30 p.m. for those interested in applying. Also, one-on-one appointments are available on July 11 and 12. Email indymeridianfoundation@gmail.com for more information.

Are we ready to help older adults age in place? The Polis Center closely examined numerous topics related to aging in place in Central Indiana, including the characteristics and potential needs of older adults who want to age in place. Download the report.

Special Olympics Indiana is seeking volunteers, high school age and up, to support the 2023 Summer Games, June 9-11, in Terre Haute. Numerous volunteer roles are available, including supporting athletes, conducting competitions, and awarding medals. Training will be provided on site. Learn more

League of Miracles needs volunteers for adaptive baseball for special needs youth starting June 6. Responsibilities vary from working in concession stands and cheerleading to assisting in the field. Learn more

Volunteers of America is looking for volunteers, including individuals, small groups, or organizations, for numerous roles, including stocking children’s libraries, sharing artistic skills, and creating a virtual library of activities. See ways to support.

Our sponsor marketplace serves to further connect our readers with our advertisers who are focused on serving nonprofits. To learn about each sponsor's nonprofit services, click on its logo.