A group of philanthropic funders has started providing their grantees with funding to specifically support the well-being of overtaxed staff. It’s part of the wider trust-based philanthropy movement that is pushing for a more equitable relationship between donors and nonprofits.
Reducing stress and improving workplace environments at nonprofits became a major point of discussion for funders during the COVID-19 pandemic amid increasing reports of staff burnout and resignations. Some philanthropic groups say there is still a need to address the issue.
The best grantmakers understand the challenges that come with working at a small nonprofit, said Amol Mehra of the Laudes Foundation. Ignoring the daily struggles staff at grantee organizations face and focusing solely on how they can deliver certain outcomes only serves to “dehumanize them,” he said during a recent webinar on innovative approaches to philanthropy.