Fundraising and nonprofit professionals work in high-pressure environments shaped by ambitious goals, donor expectations, economic uncertainty, and commitment to mission-driven work. These demands can contribute to stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and challenges with team morale and retention. This presentation will explore what fundraising professionals need to know about mental health—both for themselves and for the teams they lead. Participants will learn how chronic stress impacts individuals and organizations, recognize early signs of burnout and emotional exhaustion. Practices that support psychological safety, resilience, communication, and staff well-being in mission-driven environments will be addressed.
Learning Objectives
Ragan Schriver, PsyD, MSW, is a Clinical Professor and MSSW Program Director at the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee. He teaches courses on therapeutic intervention and diagnostics as well as nonprofit management. Ragan served as Executive Director of Catholic Charities of East Tennessee for 15 years. Currently he is the Vicar of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church as well as serving as Vice President of both Volunteer Ministry Center and Community Action Committee board of directors.