Nurturing the Changemakers: Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being in Small, Mission-Driven Nonprofits

Small, mission-driven nonprofits are the backbone of our communities—yet the people powering this work often do so under intense pressure, limited resources, and growing risk of burnout. How can nonprofits sustain their impact while also caring for the mental health and well-being of their workforce?

One Mind at Work’s new white paper, Nurturing the Changemakers: Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being in Small, Mission-Driven Nonprofits, explores this critical question through research, lived experience, and direct engagement with nonprofit leaders across the country. Grounded in a socioecological approach, the paper examines how individual, organizational, and systemic factors shape workplace mental health—and where meaningful change is possible, even with constrained budgets.

Drawing on insights from dozens of small nonprofits and data from the Mental Health at Work Index™, the white paper highlights the unique challenges these organizations face, from limited infrastructure and funding pressures to workload strain and leadership burnout. More importantly, it offers practical, evidence-based strategies nonprofits and funders can use to strengthen workforce well-being, improve retention and morale, and build more resilient, mission-aligned organizations.

Whether you are a nonprofit leader, funder, board member, or partner committed to sustainable social impact, this white paper provides actionable guidance and a compelling case for investing in mental health as a core organizational priority.

Download the full white paper via the form below: