We often speak about sustainability - of programs, of funding, of ecosystems. But how often do we ask: are the people doing this work sustained? True sustainability begins within. It begins with an inner steadiness and the ability to meet the challenges of change-making with compassion for ourselves and others. If our outer work is to heal systems, our inner work must heal separation: the illusion that our worth depends on our output or that we must burn out to make a difference.

Many foundations support grantees’ capacity building or leadership development; but over the past five years at Elevate, we’ve seen the immense value of going further.


We can no longer afford to separate wellbeing from leadership, not when nearly half of nonprofit leaders are considering leaving the work they once felt called to. At Elevate, we understand our winners as more than the stats on their website; they are Whole Leaders, grounded in both purpose and presence, whose mental, emotional, and spiritual alignment allows inner clarity to fuel outer impact.



For us, this begins with our granting philosophy. All of Elevate’s prize money is unrestricted, reflecting our belief that trust is the first act of liberation. Within the Elevate Prize, $50,000 of the $300,000 prize is dedicated to the leader’s personal and professional growth. This is an invitation to turn inward and explore what restoration and fulfillment truly mean for them. We see this not just as financial support, but as a gesture of faith in the natural wisdom and discernment of each leader. By investing in their own wellbeing - whether through rest, family, education, or spiritual practice - our winners can sustain the balance and energy needed to power lasting impact.

What is often known in our field as trust-based philanthropy is expanded at Elevate to mean relationship-based, grounded in the awareness that transformation flows through genuine connection. Our grantee partnershipsbegin with presence, curiosity, and care. Whether through the intention we bring to our Elevate Prize application process or the surprise and delight of the Elevate Prize GET LOUD Award, our goal is to create spaces where leaders feel seen beyond their resumes and achievements.

What truly set the Elevate Prize Foundation apart for me was how the support was given. From day one, I felt seen, heard, and celebrated. The Elevate Team showed up with real presence and made me feel like a true partner—not just a grantee. That kind of care and affirmation is rare, and it had a lasting impact on me and my team.
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– Nikki Butler, Dignity for Divas

When Elevate Prize winners come together, as they do during our annual Winners Retreat, they are invited to rest, cultivate self-compassion, and release the need to compete or perform. These moments of connection outside of traditional silos are more than a reprieve; they are a reminder of what it means to lead with open hearts in a world that often rewards burnout over balance.

“The intention to self care was deeply appreciated. I feel refreshed, grounded, cared for, and heart open to care for others.”

– David Flink, The Neurodiversity Alliance

It’s easy to leave a retreat feeling rejuvenated, but sustaining emotional balance amid daily demands requires deeper tools. Over the past five years, we’ve learned that the most impactful coaching does more than help avoid burnout. Elevate works with coaches and wellbeing practitioners who bring mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and reflective inquiry into their work with winners, helping leaders reconnect to the still point within themselves and integrate inner awareness with outer action.

Thanks to coaching through the Elevate Prize, we are now living a sustainable life while working on our mission. Now, we can easily stay the course for decades. Now, we take care of ourselves first, and lead with a full cup.

– Nelly Cheboi, TechLit Africa

Whole Leadership invites us to return to presence—to honor our needs as human beings first, and act from a place of centered awareness rather than urgency. When we lead from inner peace, our work becomes an expression of the world we wish to create: a world rooted in balance, compassion, and the quiet power of wholeness.

Let’s be clear: burnout won’t save the world. To build a better world, we must transform how we care for the people building it.