About My Book

The Social Sector is full of good intentions, but with complicated systems, expectations, rules, and incentives. The Nonprofit Paradox explores the contradictions that shape the nonprofit sector, revealing how elements like funding, compliance, and donor relations both enable and limit change.

My name is Nehal Gandhi, and I am the author of The Nonprofit Paradox. I was inspired to write this book after watching USAID, the world’s largest aid agency, being dismantled in January 2025. This moment revealed just how fragile the nonprofits can be and made me rethink their role.

My hope for this book is that it opens space to reimagine the social sector and to change how we see nonprofits and philanthropy – not only through the lens of charity but through the lens of purpose, financial sustainability and the systems that make lasting change possible.

In this book, you will learn about:

• The myth behind nonprofits – and how underinvesting in staff, systems, and learning actually weakens impact instead of strengthening it.
• Why budgets are more than just numbers – they are the blueprint reflecting what organizations truly value.
• What the dismantling of USAID reveals – and what it means for the future of international development, drawn from conversations with veterans of USAID.
• The overall promise for philanthropy, despite the paradoxes and flaws, holds the potential to unlock capital and drive change that is just and lasting.

You will love this book if you:

• work in a nonprofit, want to work in one, or support them as a donor, funder, or board member.
• have asked “Where do donations really go?” and how those choices shape the work.
• are curious about the hidden rules of funding and how they impact real change.
• believe that philanthropy can and must do better.

The Nonprofit Paradox is a nonfiction book that speaks to nonprofit professionals, social sector leaders, students, and philanthropists who are curious about the hidden economics of the sector and the contradictions that shape giving.

The book is written in three parts.

Part I – The Historical Context
🔹 Explores the “why” behind giving.
Reflective and story-driven, this section weaves history, early influences, and foundational ideas that shaped both the nonprofit sector and my own journey within it.

Part II – Decoding the Economics
🔹 Examines the “how” nonprofits are funded.
Unpacks the structural forces that drive financial decisions — overhead restrictions, donor relationships, compliance culture, and the hidden rules that guide the sector.

Part III – The Path Forward
🔹 Imagines “what next” for philanthropy.
Looks at what comes after traditional aid, from the opportunities created by dismantling USAID to bold new ways of doing philanthropy, development, and nonprofit finance.

Why Join the Campaign?

Joining the presale campaign is about being part of the first circle of readers who believe the nonprofit sector deserves to be seen differently. By joining in early, you are helping spark conversations about how we give, fund, and create change and showing that there is an audience ready for this book.

I have designed a range of exclusive preorder packages suited for different needs – from individual readers who want to join the journey, to nonprofits and boards looking for practical tools, to professors and students seeking deeper engagement. Every supporter in the campaign will * be part of the Author Community * get updates on the book journey * get details of the Book Launch. If you don’t see exactly what you need, I am happy to create a custom package that is workable and fits your needs.

In addition to the different levels of support, you can also:

•   Share the campaign on social media with your network of colleagues, friends, and family. Please use the hashtag #TheNonprofitParadox and tag me so we can amplify your efforts.
•   Recommend the book to at least five (5) individuals/organizations you think would find it useful – a quick text, email, or DM goes a long way.

Not buying a book? You can also contribute — all funds from this option will eventually support a nonprofit selected by the author.

Thank you for reading. for believing. for showing that this work still matters.
—Nehal Gandhi

About The Author

Nehal Gandhi has spent over two decades working at the intersection of philanthropy, nonprofit finance, and international development. Her career began at the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, one of India’s oldest philanthropic institutions, and later spanned global nonprofits including Aga Khan Services, IIE, IYF and many USAID-funded projects.

Her vantage point as a funder, grantee, and consultant brings a unique perspective on the paradoxes that shape the social sector. Her work is deeply rooted in philanthropy, from traditional foundations to new models of giving, and she is passionate about helping both donors and organizations reimagine how resources can be used more effectively and justly.

Based in Vienna, Virginia, with her husband and two sons, she draws inspiration from her family and community to reimagine the social sector that is reliable and effective in delivering change.

For more information, you can connect with Nehal on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

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