We use cookies to make your experience better. Learn more about how and why.

Preferences Deny Accept

Beyond the Donation Episode 19 a broadcast on burnout interview with Kelsey Buell

Ep. 19 | A Broadcast on Burnout, an interview with Kelsey Buell

Our Guest: Kelsey Buell, Founder, You Flourish Company

About Kelsey: From a career in recruiting to one in nonprofits, Kelsey found her niche in coaching people in connecting, reflecting, and prospering in life and business. She founded You Flourish Company to help individuals and corporate teams do just that.

[2:00] Defining burnout, how it differs from stress

[4:35] “I think the moment we start noticing our behavior is changing a little bit, that might be a sign we’re on this track to burnout.” - Kelsey Buell

[5:26] Difference between burnout and depression

[6:18] 4 Pillars of Burnout

[7:05] Common threads of burnout in nonprofit space

[9:30] SW, SW, SW, SW, Next - Formula

[11:40] Creating a healthy, fulfilling work life

[15:20] What to do if you reach the point of burnout

[17:48] The effect(s) of Covid on burnout in work

[21:42] Goal segmentation importance in preventing burnout

[22:50] Resources

FREE GUIDE - Top 10 Ways to Prevent Burnout

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

Women's Goal Setting Summit - January 12th 2024

More About Kelsey:

LinkedIn | Website

To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast DonorDock LinkedIn Matt LinkedIn

Are nonprofit fundraisers experiencing burnout?

Yes — 95% of nonprofit leaders cite burnout as a concern in their organization, and about 75% say burnout is directly impacting their ability to achieve their mission. The cause isn't usually one big project; it's hundreds of small unfinished obligations carried in fundraisers' heads. Automation, ruthless task elimination, and a CRM that does the remembering are the practical antidotes for growing teams.

Last updated

April 25, 2026

How does automation reduce fundraiser burnout?

Automation reduces burnout by removing the "should-do" list from your head. Instead of remembering who to thank, when to follow up, and which lapsed donors need a touch, the system handles the repetitive first-pass while creating tasks for the moments that need a human. The five highest-impact automations: instant thank-yous, new-donor welcome journeys, recurring-donor cadence, lapsed re-engagement, and Smart Nudges that surface who needs you next.

Last updated

April 25, 2026

What wellness rituals reduce fundraiser burnout?

Sustainable fundraising rhythms include weekly donor-call windows, daily 'top three' priority lists, batched email and acknowledgment days, and protected planning time. Add micro-rituals like a five-minute pre-call grounding pause, a Friday wins log, and quarterly half-days off email. Pair each ritual with one CRM cue (a task, a reminder, a saved view) so the system carries the load instead of your willpower. Wellness compounds when it is built into your week, not bolted on after burnout shows up.

Last updated

April 28, 2026

Why do nonprofit fundraisers leave their jobs so quickly?

The average fundraiser leaves within 16 months because of unrealistic revenue targets, unclear role definitions, and a misalignment between what they were hired to do and what the organization actually needs. Burnout is the symptom, not the root cause. Turnover usually starts during hiring, when expectations are set without the strategy, systems, or board support to match.

Last updated

April 25, 2026

Author

Elisha Ford

Content Writer

Last updated:

April 29, 2026

Written by

Elisha Ford

Content Writer

Read similar articles

Your First 500 Donors: A Grassroots Fundraising Playbook for New Nonprofits

Most new nonprofits chase big grants and major donors. The smarter play? Build 500 grassroots donors who believe in your mission. Here's the step-by-step playbook to get there.

When Your Impact Can't Be Counted: Fundraising Around Intangible Outcomes

When your outcomes resist easy measurement, stop proving impact with numbers alone. Learn the contribution chain framework for turning transformational work into donor narratives that drive retention.

How to Build a Conflict-Healthy Culture at Your Nonprofit

Six practical steps to transform how your nonprofit team handles disagreement, from reframing conflict to building daily habits that sustain an honest culture.

Start building meaningful donor relationships today.

Your fundraising in one place.

Schedule a Demo View Pricing

Donor Dock-Shapes1-06