The Truth About “Doing More with Less”

Sheree Cannon
Apr 8
3 min read

Updated: May 14

Challenging the scarcity-based expectations placed on nonprofit teams—and how to reset the standard

Sheree Cannon | Nonprofit Strategist & Consultant | Author

Introduction

“Do more with less” has become a badge of honor in the nonprofit world. Less staff, less time, less funding—but somehow, more programs, more deliverables, more outcomes, more impact.

This mindset might be framed as efficient or resourceful, but in truth, it’s unsustainable—and harmful. It leads to burned-out teams, broken trust, and missions that stretch thinner and thinner until they lose their center.

This white paper is an invitation to challenge the lie of scarcity-based productivity. To tell the truth about what’s really happening inside organizations. And to begin setting a new standard—one rooted in clarity, dignity, and abundance.

Where the “Do More with Less” Mindset Comes From

Nonprofits are born in urgency. There’s always more need than resources. But somewhere along the way, scarcity stopped being a circumstance and started becoming a culture.

Common sources of the pressure:

Underfunded program budgets and restricted grants
Donors who expect outcomes without investing in infrastructure
Boards pushing for impact without understanding capacity
Staff who over-function because they care deeply
Leaders who don’t feel permission to say no

“This mindset thrives in silence. The less we name it, the more power it has.”

The Real Cost of Overextension

When organizations normalize “doing more with less,” they unintentionally create:

High staff turnover and burnout
Poor internal communication and morale
Sloppy systems and program delivery
Incomplete reporting or donor follow-through
Emotional fatigue, resentment, and disengagement
A warped version of leadership rooted in martyrdom

Over time, this undermines both impact and integrity.

You Can Be Impactful Without Being Overextended

Doing less doesn’t mean caring less. It means choosing well. It means being clear about what your organization can sustainably do—and protecting the quality of that work, rather than endlessly expanding the quantity.

Real leadership is not about pushing harder. It’s about leading from alignment and strength.

Five Ways to Shift the Standard

1. Name the Culture Honestly

Begin by speaking the truth. Let your team know: “We’re not here to prove we can survive on scraps. We’re here to build something sustainable.” Give permission to talk about capacity without shame.

2. Set Boundaries Around Growth

Not every opportunity is a good one. Before adding a new program, grant, or audience, ask: Do we have the bandwidth? The systems? The leadership capacity? Grow when you’re ready—not just because you’re asked.

3. Fund the Whole Mission

Shift donor conversations from “program costs” to true costs. Advocate for unrestricted support. Show how leadership, admin, and infrastructure are essential to every dollar of impact.

4. Teach Staff to Protect Their Energy

Encourage pacing. Celebrate rest. Create workflows that reflect your values—not just your goals. High impact does not have to mean high urgency, all the time.

5. Model Abundance Thinking in Leadership

As a leader, your mindset sets the tone. Speak possibility—not panic. Celebrate sustainability. Honor the value of your team’s time, wisdom, and presence. That energy will ripple through the organization.

Conclusion: You’re Allowed to Do Less—So You Can Do It Better

The phrase “doing more with less” might sound heroic. But over time, it becomes hollow. It shrinks the mission. It wears down the people. And it creates organizations that are barely hanging on.

You don’t need to prove your worth through exhaustion. You don’t need to perform scarcity to be respected.

You’re allowed to say: This is what we can do well—and we’re proud of that.That’s not shrinking. That’s leadership.