Phoenix Conservatory of Music Receives $230,000 Award from Piper Trust, Hires New Development Manager to Strengthen Fundraising and Fuel Growth
PHOENIX, AZ (July 2025) — Phoenix Conservatory of Music (PCM) is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $230,000 capacity-building award from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust to grow its fundraising infrastructure, expand donor engagement, and ensure the long-term sustainability of its mission. As a direct result of this investment, PCM has hired seasoned nonprofit leader Chiquita Taylor as its new Development Manager, marking a key milestone in the organization’s evolution.
The grant supports the implementation of PCM’s strategic Capacity Improvement Plan—developed through a two-year organizational development and planning process.
“Piper Trust’s support is a transformational gift,” said Regina Nixon, Executive Director of PCM. “It allows us to build the systems, people, and strategies needed to continue growing while staying grounded in our values of community, access, and empowerment.”
Chiquita Taylor brings more than a decade of leadership experience in development, community engagement, and nonprofit management. She joins PCM at a time of exciting momentum and will lead all aspects of fundraising strategy, donor stewardship, and marketing efforts. “Chiquita’s depth of experience and heart for equity make her an incredible asset,” Nixon added. “She will help PCM build meaningful relationships with donors who believe in the power of music to transform lives.”
PCM’s recent accomplishments include:
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Serving 1,235 students in FYE 2024—a 37% increase since 2022
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Awarding over 373 full scholarships for summer programming in FYE 2024
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Welcoming new funding partners, including VNSA and the Watts Family Foundation, ensuring continued scholarship and capacity support into the future.
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Participating in the national Jumpstart program which supports expanding tools for donor communication and stewardship
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Collaborating with Mas Talent (Dallas, TX) on Board Assessment, Strategic Planning alignment, Executive Evaluation, and Leadership Succession Planning
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Celebrating student success, including two seniors—Patrick Cassidy and Sebastien Swensen—receiving full tuition scholarships with housing to Berklee College of Music
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Releasing the 8th annual student-produced EP, showcasing original music written and performed by PCM youth
This grant strengthens PCM’s ability to build contributed revenue, increase its individual donor base, and secure new private grant funding—key goals for ensuring every student has access to high-quality, affordable music education.
“Every note, every class, every opportunity we provide is made possible by the generosity of our community,” said Nixon. “With Piper Trust’s investment and Chiquita’s expertise, we’re building a stronger foundation for even greater impact.”
PCM invites the community to join in its mission by visiting www.pcmrocks.org to learn more, enroll, or become a supporter.
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About Chiquita Taylor:
Chiquita Taylor is an experienced nonprofit leader with over a decade of service in community development, social impact, and organizational growth. As Development Manager at Phoenix Conservatory of Music, she leads fundraising strategy, donor relations, and marketing efforts that support access to high-quality, affordable music education. Her career spans leadership roles at Wildfire and FIBCO Family Services, with expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, and community engagement. Chiquita holds a B.S. in Public Health/Family Sciences from the University of Maryland, is fluent in Spanish, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Leading for Change. She is passionate about equity, empowerment, and using music as a tool for transformation. ctaylor@pcmrocks.org