Why fundraisers burn out—what it costs us, and what becomes possible when we finally turn inward and get free.

Episode Summary

In this opening episode, Erin McQuade-Wright—former professional fundraiser of 15 years—shares why she created The Brave & Balanced Fundraiser and why focusing on the inner life of the fundraiser is not only healing… but essential for our sector’s sustainability.

Fundraising is the engine of the nonprofit world, yet fundraisers are burning out every 16–24 months. Erin names this reality, shares her personal story of fundraising trauma, and introduces the tools and perspectives that helped her shift from white-knuckled survival to grounded, aligned leadership.

If you’ve ever felt overstretched, anxious, alone, or like the numbers were “good” but the cost was too high, this episode offers validation, resonance, and a new way forward.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why fundraising burnout is so widespread—and why it’s not a personal failure
• How Erin’s 15-year career and health challenges revealed the emotional cost of traditional fundraising norms
• Why mindset alone isn’t enough (and why somatic awareness matters deeply)
• How fundraisers can use their work as a mirror for personal growth and healing
• Why caring for your internal landscape makes you a more effective, confident fundraiser
• What this podcast will offer you each week—and how it can support your long-term wellbeing

Key Takeaways

1. The numbers may show success, but your body will tell the truth.
2. Fundraiser burnout is systemic—not a reflection of your skill, value, or dedication.
3. Your inner climate shapes your donor relationships and your effectiveness far more than tactics alone.
4. You can heal old fundraising patterns and shift into a more aligned, joyful way of working.
5. This podcast exists to nourish your body, mind, and spirit—not to teach strategies, but to tend to the fundraiser herself.

Reflection Question

Where is fundraising currently costing you energy, peace, or wellbeing—and what might become possible if you didn’t have to white-knuckle your way through it?

Take a moment to journal on this or reflect during a quiet part of your day.

If this episode resonated…

Subscribe so you never miss a Tuesday episode, and share this with a fundraising friend who might need this space of support, grounding, and encouragement.

Send Erin a text

✨ Stay Connected & Continue Your Fundraising Growth

Listen to all episodes + subscribe:
https://thebraveandbalancedfundraiser.buzzsprout.com

Join the community:
The Brave & Balanced Fundraiser Facebook Group
👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/braveandbalancedfundraiser

Book a Brave & Balanced Breakthrough Call:
A personalized 1:1 session to support your inner clarity and fundraising wellbeing.
👉 https://calendly.com/vitalistcoaching/brave-balanced-breakthrough

Learn more about Erin’s coaching & nervous-system based support:
VitalistCoaching.com

Connect on Instagram:
@erinmcquadewright