You Can’t Fundraise Well If You’re Running on Empty: Why Healthy Boundaries Are the Secret to Sustainable Impact
By Sandra Davis, CEO & Founder of Donorly
Imagine this: you’re at your desk at 8:30 p.m. on a Thursday night, responding to yet another donor email, tweaking the copy on a grant proposal, and mentally prepping for tomorrow’s meeting where your board chair will ask (again), “Have you tried getting in touch with Mackenzie Scott?”
Your heart is fully in this work. You love your mission. You care deeply. You want to do more, raise more, be more.
But your calendar is bloated, your inbox is groaning, and you’ve said “yes” so many times that your to-do list reads more like a guilt spiral than a strategic plan.
Let’s call this what it is: overcommitment—and it’s quietly eroding your effectiveness.
Passion Is a Superpower (and a Risk)
Nonprofit leaders and fundraisers are some of the most passionate people on the planet. That passion can drive incredible change. But left unchecked, it also drives burnout.
The constant pressure to do more, say yes, and chase every opportunity creates a treadmill effect—fast-moving, exhausting, and hard to step off.
And organizations? They pay the price too. The average tenure of a development professional is just 16 months. That’s a revolving door where stability and relationship-building should be.
Let’s Talk About Why This Happens
It’s easy to tell someone “Just set boundaries!” But let’s unpack why overcommitment is such a common trap in the first place:
1. You’re under pressure from all sides.
When a well-meaning board member tosses out a new idea—“Let’s do a spring auction!”—it’s tough to say no. Even if your plate is already overflowing, you feel obligated to at least explore it.
2. You’re afraid of missing out.
That grant cycle? That cultivation event? That donor who might give if you just squeeze in one more meeting? The fear of missed opportunities drives a “more is more” mindset that often backfires.
3. You’re driven by guilt.
This one runs deep. You care so much about the people you serve, your team, and your mission. Saying “no” can feel like you’re letting someone down—or not working hard enough.
What Can You Do About It?
The good news: Over-commitment is common, but it’s not inevitable. Here’s how to shift out of survival mode and back into sustainable impact.
1. Get Clear on What Actually Matters
Start by defining what your core responsibilities are—and which activities truly move the needle. Major gift cultivation? Stewardship? Strategic planning? That’s your high-impact zone.
Then look at what can be:
Delegated (a volunteer or junior staffer might be ready to take something on)
Automated (thank you letters, email follow-ups)
Let go entirely (these things are not worth your precious time)
Make a regular habit of reassessing your workload. Is what you’re doing aligned with your goals? Or just keeping you busy?
2. Learn to Say No (Without Burning Bridges)
Saying no can feel awkward, but it’s a skill worth mastering. Try these approaches:
Use data as your backbone: If someone asks for a big lift with little ROI, show them the numbers. “This gala cost us $40K and netted only $6K last year. That doesn’t feel good to me. We need to do events to bring people together, but I’d like to explore something leaner with a higher return.”
Frame it with respect: “I’d love to help, but I’m focused right now on a project that’s projected to bring in 80% of our annual revenue, and I don’t want to risk that.”
Offer an alternative: This is a great idea, let’s give someone else the opportunity to run with it. It looks like we can fit this into next quarter’s schedule after the annual appeal, I’ll slot it in then. Redirecting the request can preserve the relationship while protecting your capacity.
3. Set Goals That Make Sense (and Mean Something)
Ambitious goals are great. Unrealistic ones are demoralizing. Use your data, your instincts, and your experience to advocate for targets that stretch without snapping.
One tip? Set two goals:
A rock-solid budget goal (used for board-approved planning)
A stretch goal (used to inspire and organize your fundraising efforts)
And most importantly: Measure, measure, measure. Talk about what’s working. Raise flags when it’s not. Keep your leadership in the loop so they’re part of the solution—not just the pressure.
One More Thing: You’re Allowed to Be a Human
You are not a fundraising machine. You are not failing if you say no. You are not “less dedicated” if you choose rest over running on fumes.
Protecting your time, your energy, and your focus is protecting the mission. When fundraisers are supported and respected, organizations thrive.
So the next time you feel that pull to say “yes” to one more thing… pause. Take a breath. And ask yourself: “Is the payoff worth the time and energy?”
Your mission needs you energized, resourceful, and passionate, not just busy.
