Episode
299: What Most Fundraisers Are Doing Wrong Today with Meredith Johnston
- Podcast
- What the Fundraising
- Published
- May 12, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2017
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ICAAL8069944877.mp3
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Summary
This conversation explores why modern fundraising still struggles with outdated systems despite living in a technology-driven world. It raises important questions about how fundraisers are expected to manage hundreds of donor relationships while spending hours on administrative tasks rather than building meaningful connections. The discussion challenges traditional fundraising methods and reveals how technology, automation, and better workflows can completely transform donor engagement and fundraising success. Meet Meredith Johnston, who serves as the Vice President of Development at Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD). Since 1970, FHCSD has been dedicated to delivering compassionate, affordable, and high-quality health care and supportive services to all individuals, with a strong focus on uninsured, low-income, and medically underserved communities. Today, FHCSD is recognized as one of the 10 largest federally qualified health centers in the United States, operating more than 90 locations throughout San Diego County. Each year, the organization serves over 227,000 patients, including 91% who are low-income and 29% who are uninsured. Throughout the conversation, Meredith shares practical insights from her career journey, explaining how fundraising has evolved and why organizations must adapt to changing expectations. Her experience gives credibility to the discussion around leadership, donor management, and operational efficiency. Meredith discusses the importance of using technology to support fundraisers rather than overwhelm them with manual tasks. She explains the value of tracking donor behavior, improving data quality, and focusing on active relationship-building. The conversation also addresses perfectionism, anxiety, and the fear of making mistakes, enc…