You’ve probably noticed that these are stressful times for everyone working in the sector. A study by the National Council of Nonprofits shows that small investments of money and time in staff wellbeing can have positive impacts on both staff and organizational health.
The NCN provided members access to “Thrive” funding of between $500 and $4,000 between July 2023 and December 2024. Qualitative data analysis software was used to analyze responses to the following four open-ended questions in the initial grant application and post-grant report: Describe how your organization will use this investment.; What do you hope to accomplish? Impact [of the program]; and, Recommendations [based on experience from the program].
The two major elements of the program were flexible and individualized funding to meet diverse staff wellbeing needs and a trust-based philanthropic strategy. Leaders at NCN recognized that the definition or understanding of wellbeing can vary between and within organizations. Managers at nonprofits that received Thrive grants could propose to use funds on a range of activities that they anticipated would support the needs of their staff in particular, recognizing that these needs may also vary between staff members.
The key takeaways from the funding were, according to the study’s authors:
* Flexible wellbeing funding can support a range of wellbeing activities tailored to staff needs.
* Flexible wellbeing funding can improve both staff and organization-level wellbeing.
* Improving staff wellbeing also improves organizational productivity and long-term success.
* Funders can make small investments that improve the long-term health of the nonprofit sector.
Funding recipients used the funding for team building, mental and physical health programs, professional development, workplace enhancements and impact. A majority of the time it was used for a one-time activity. In many cases the staff was given a choice in how to use the funds. The one-time activities included off-site retreats an/or fun, leisure and celebratory activity.
Workplace enhancements included meals and snacks, ergonomic equipment and workspace environmental upgrades.
According to the report’s authors, small investments in wellbeing activities can help prevent burnout, increase morale, and strengthen these organizations’ ability to fulfill their missions. To see the full 18-page report, go to:
https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/files/media/documents/2025/small-investments-big-impacts-2025-thrive-report.pdf
