Let’s be honest, burnout isn’t temporary.
Let’s be honest, burnout isn’t temporary.
If you’re a nonprofit leader, chances are that you’ve pushed through exhaustion more than just once, because the mission doesn’t wait, the community needs you, and there’s no such thing as “just one more thing.” But what if rest isn’t a risk, but a strategy?
Here’s the truth: mental health and healing work deserve funding just like any other part of your organization’s work. And yes, there are funders out there who agree.
This Is Especially Personal for Women in Leadership
69% of nonprofit workers are women, yet, men are still more likely to hold executive leadership positions. In a leadership position or not, women in the nonprofit space are not just upholding entire organizations; they’re also raising families, caring for relatives, and holding communities together through political, economic, and cultural storms.
We see you. We hear you. We understand what you’re carrying, and we believe you shouldn’t have to carry it without support.
The Benefits of Sabbaticals for Nonprofit Leaders
A sabbatical is not indulgent. It’s necessary.
Sabbaticals not only offer time to heal, reflect, and recharge, also strengthens your organization. A study from the Durfee Foundation found that 87% of leaders felt more effective after their sabbatical, and their teams reported increased collaboration, innovation, and resilience in their absence.
When you invest in your own well-being, everyone benefits from your staff to your board to the community you serve.
Mental health and rest deserve just as much funding as program delivery.
If your organization is thinking about building in space for healing, restoration, or even just a pause for your Executive Director, you’re not alone and you’re not without options. More funders are beginning to understand that a rested leader is a more effective leader, and they’re stepping up to support sabbaticals and wellness-centered capacity building.
Tips for Writing Grants for Sabbaticals and Healing Work
- Frame it as Capacity Building
Funders want to see that your organization will be stronger as a result of the investment. Emphasize how rest will lead to greater sustainability, better decision-making, and long-term impact. - Share the Data on Burnout
Cite research that supports the need for sabbaticals and mental health investment in the nonprofit sector. Demonstrating a systemic problem can make your case stronger. - Include a Plan for Continuity
Detail how the organization will function smoothly during the sabbatical. Highlight interim leadership, succession planning, and staff development opportunities. - Make it Personal—But Strategic
Grantmakers want to see the human story, but they also want to know the outcomes. Balance heartfelt narrative with measurable benefits. - Connect It to Mission
If your organization serves a community experiencing trauma, poverty, or crisis, it makes sense that your team might absorb some of that stress. Show how internal healing work supports external impact.
Where to Apply: Sabbatical Funding Opportunities
Here are some funders that understand rest is not a reward it’s a needed:
- The Durfee Foundation (Los Angeles, CA)
- The Healing Trust (Middle Tennessee)
- O2 Initiatives (San Francisco Bay Area)
- Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation (North Carolina)
- The California Wellness Foundation (California health leaders)
- Virginia G. Piper Trust (Phoenix, AZ)
- Barr Foundation (Boston area)
- BIPOC ED Coalition (Washington State)
- Nexus Community Partners’ ROOT Fellowship (Minnesota)
- R&R: The Rest of Our Lives (National, with coaching and peer support)
Bonus Spark Tip: Think Beyond Dedicated Sabbatical Grants
Many general operating and capacity-building grants can also be used to fund a sabbatical. If you make the case clearly in your proposal, funders may be more flexible than you think.
Need help writing your sabbatical grant application?
At Spark Point, we help nonprofit leaders secure the funding they need to rest, recharge, and return stronger. Let’s talk about how we can support your healing-focused grant writing.