Minneapolis, January 8, 2008 – The Minneapolis Foundation has appointed Don W. Taylor as Vice President of Development and Client Services. Taylor serves currently as Vice President, Chief Development Officer at Courage Center / Courage Foundation in Golden Valley, Minnesota.  He will join the Foundation on March 1. Taylor succeeds Stuart Appelbaum, who will retire from the position effective January 25th, after more than sixteen years of service.

Taylor joins the Foundation as an experienced fundraiser and manager. In his current position at Courage Center, he is responsible for a development program that raises $10-12 million annually. With community volunteers, he recently completed a $17.5 million capital campaign, and also oversees the vehicle gift program and a volunteer program with 2,500 volunteers. In past positions, Taylor helped secure funding for the Carlson School of Management’s building, and developed an alumni relations program and annual fund and capital campaign program for the University of St. Thomas, School of Divinity.

“Don comes to us with lots of energy and tremendous experience,” said Sandra Vargas, President and CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation. “He not only has tremendous knowledge about philanthropy, but also the personality and ability to work with donors who are actively engaged in their giving. That, combined with his engagement and understanding of the community, will be a great asset to both the Foundation and our donors.” 

Taylor is the former chair and current board member of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) US Foundation, and was awarded the 2005 “Professional Fundraiser” of the year by the AFP/Minnesota Chapter. He is an active community volunteer as a board member of Patchwork Quilt and has acted as volunteer consultant with West Hennepin Community Services, Minneapolis Urban League, Mental Health Association of Minnesota, and the Minnesota AIDS Project. Taylor received his B.A from the College of St. Theresa, Winona, Minnesota and an MBA from The University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN.

About the Minneapolis Foundation
Established in 1915, The Minneapolis Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest and largest community foundations. It manages $710 million in assets, administers more than 950 charitable funds and distributes approximately $36 million in grants each year. As a center for philanthropy, the Foundation partners with a variety of communities and institutions and offers its expertise to individuals, businesses and other foundations to improve the quality of life in the region. For more information, visit www.MinneapolisFoundation.org.

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