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A Personal Definition of Philanthropy
For Kerith, philanthropy isn’t abstract—it’s personal.
“Growing up, I benefited from scholarships, grants, and small acts of generosity that helped me get an education and access healthcare,” she shares. “Philanthropy is a hand up, an investment, and it’s about creating long-term impact.”
That deeply rooted understanding of generosity informs everything she does at AltaMed. As one of the nation’s largest federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), AltaMed provides care to anyone who needs it—regardless of their ability to pay. But Kerith’s team sees philanthropy as the bridge that closes the gap between essential care and truly equitable health outcomes.
The 70% That Transforms Lives
While government funding covers a portion of AltaMed’s mission, Kerith points out that it only accounts for about 30% of what determines a person’s health. The other 70%—factors like housing, education, nutrition, and community—are shaped through philanthropic investment.
“Philanthropy allows us to address gaps and scale solutions beyond basic care,” she explains. “Our donors help fund programs that provide food, educational pathways, specialty care, and services tailored to community needs.”
These investments turn into stories of hope—like Ishmael, a young patient whose life was saved when AltaMed doctors caught his eye cancer early, thanks to accessible, proactive care and philanthropic resources that funded his specialized treatment. Hear more about his story here.
Redefining Healthcare Philanthropy with Data Intelligence
Kerith and her team are pioneering a new model for healthcare fundraising—one informed by data, efficiency, and foresight. With Kindsight’s Ascend CRM, AltaMed is poised to transform the way it identifies opportunities, nurtures relationships, and measures impact.
“Ascend allows us to implement and shape best practices in healthcare philanthropy,” Kerith says. “We can identify trends, predict donor interests, and personalize engagement. It gives us the right tools to be at the table and advance best practices—especially in underrepresented communities.”
This forward-thinking approach reflects AltaMed’s larger mission: to close gaps in access, equity, and opportunity across the communities it serves.
Why Kindsight Recognizes Kerith
Kerith embodies the spirit of a Client Innovator—combining data-driven insight with kindness, empathy and leadership. She is redefining what healthcare philanthropy looks like in the 21st century: strategic, community-focused, and relentlessly human.
Her commitment to building a culture of innovation and equity perfectly aligns with Kindsight’s mission to empower changemakers who make philanthropy smarter, more connected, and more impactful.
When asked for one word that describes Kindsight, Kerith doesn’t hesitate: “Innovation. It’s about finding new solutions, bridging gaps, and transforming how we engage with donors and communities.”
About AltaMed
AltaMed understands that when people receive care that considers their individual health needs and respects their cultural preferences; they grow healthy—and help their families do the same. Since 1969, they have delivered complete medical services to communities across Southern California. The AltaMed team of qualified multicultural and bilingual professionals—from these same communities—is focused on eliminating barriers to primary care services, senior care programs, and essential community services. With more than 60 accredited health centers and service facilities, they remain committed and ready to help you grow healthy at any age.
About Kindsight
Kindsight is the modern fundraising intelligence platform built for impact, intelligence, and humanity. Through integrated technology and data-driven insight, Kindsight enables organizations to advance their missions, strengthen donor relationships, and create measurable change.
From universities to healthcare organizations like AltaMed, Kindsight’s clients are redefining what’s possible in philanthropy—proving that when intelligence meets intention, the result is transformational.
Stay tuned for our next Client Innovator Spotlight, where we continue to highlight leaders shaping the future of fundraising.
