Speaker Spotlight: Megan Short
Creating a great fundraising culture: it's not about money

At this year’s Hospice Income Generation Network conference, we’re bringing together some of the brightest minds in hospice fundraising to share their insights, ideas, and practical takeaways.

We’re featuring Megan Short, head of fundraising at Community Hospice. Megan is passionate about shifting the focus of fundraising beyond money, and she’s joining us to share how a strong team culture can transform income generation.

From forensic biology to fundraising

Megan didn’t set out to work in hospice fundraising. She originally studied forensic biology, drawn to science as a way to make a real difference. But during university, she found herself spending more and more time volunteering and fundraising for charities – and she loved it.

“When I decided to take a gap year, my dad (who worked at the hospice) encouraged me to apply for a Community Fundraiser role. I didn’t think I could get a ‘real job’ doing what I had been doing as a volunteer – but when I did, it was a total joy.”

Fast forward nearly 12 years, and Megan has supported in almost every fundraising role at the hospice. She understands the unique challenges and strengths of each area, but what excites her most is the magic that happens when it all comes together.

“Fundraising is about so much more than money,” she says.

Creating a fundraising strategy that isn’t about money (at least, not to start with!)

At the conference, Megan will be sharing how her team developed a fundraising strategy that took a different approach – one that didn’t start with financial targets.

“The fundraising landscape has changed so much and remains unpredictable. A traditional strategy wasn’t going to support us in the way we needed it to. So we approached things holistically, focusing first on culture and internal perceptions of fundraising. It’s already reaping rewards for our team!”

One of Megan’s proudest moments? Securing board approval to remove financial targets from fundraisers – while also securing a six-figure investment.

Why this matters now

For hospices navigating financial uncertainty, Megan believes now is the time to think differently about fundraising.

“Be bold! Our hospices need us to be,” she says. “The magic isn’t just in data analysis – it’s in understanding your team’s unique strengths and challenges and building a culture that works for them.”

Looking ahead to the conference

Megan is most looking forward to those unexpected ‘lightbulb’ moments at the conference – the advice, ideas, and learnings that leave you buzzing with inspiration.

If you haven’t signed up yet, this is your chance to be part of a game-changing conversation about the future of hospice fundraising. And if you have, get ready – this session is going to challenge the way you think about income generation!

Join us at the Hospice Income Generation Network Conference – secure your place now!