Beyond the day-to-day: How nonprofits can think strategically with Sheela Mahajan

Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria chats with Sheela Mahajan, founder of the Nonprofit Science Institute and host of the Nonprofit Science Podcast. Sheela shares how nonprofits can move beyond reactive decision-making and start thinking more strategically. They discuss the challenges of shifting organizational mindsets, how to implement systematic decision-making processes, and the importance of defining problems before jumping to solutions. Sheela introduces the Signals Framework, a structured approach to problem-solving that empowers nonprofit leaders to make data-driven decisions with confidence.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why nonprofits struggle with decision-making
• Introducing the signals framework
• Rethinking fundraising events
• Overcoming resistance to change
• The power of documentation in decision-making

Actionable tips:

➜ Use the signals framework: write down the specific problem you’re solving, collect data, and test solutions systematically.
➜ Get everyone in the room: bring together staff, leadership, and board members to align on key challenges.
➜ Track decision-making: keep records of strategic decisions to help future teams stay informed.
➜ Shift the culture: encourage a data-driven mindset rather than relying on “this is how we’ve always done it.”
➜ Start small: test the framework on a single issue before applying it organization-wide.

Resources:

• Nonprofit Science Institute – Website
• Nonprofit Science Podcast – Listen Here
• Free Ebook: The Signals Framework – Download Here

Connect with Us:

• Connect with Maria Rio
• Connect with Sheela Mahajan

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Coming Next Week:

Join us next week for a must-listen episode on landing your dream nonprofit job! 🎯 Maria shares the ultimate list of red flags to watch out for in your job search so you can avoid toxic workplaces and find the right fit. Don't miss it!

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