Phyllis Taylor honored as Philanthropy Award recipient

Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) and Hancock Whitney Bank are pleased to announce the 2023 Leaders in Philanthropy Award honoree for Vermilion Parish, Phyllis M. Taylor
Phyllis M. Taylor is a distinguished figure in the realms of business, law, and philanthropy. Born with an innate sense of responsibility towards her community, she has dedicated her life to creating opportunities and uplifting others through her various ventures.
Phyllis is perhaps best known for her outstanding philanthropic work. As the Chairman of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation, she has steered the organization towards making substantial impacts in the fields of education, law enforcement, the armed forces, and various humanitarian efforts. Since its establishment in 1985, the foundation has been a beacon of positive change, touching the lives of countless individuals.
One of her most enduring legacies is her dedication to education. She has worked toward seeing that TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students), originally conceived by her late husband, Pat Taylor, continues to be funded by the Louisiana legislature and that the rigor of the curriculum and other qualifying requirements remain intact. Additionally, she and the Foundation have worked with numerous elementary and secondary schools, public, private, and parochial, throughout the state to provide opportunities in the areas of STEM and cultural program and activities.
Odile Segrest said, “Being a native of Abbeville, Phyllis has always had a love and deep concern for Abbeville and Vermilion Parish. In her quiet and humble way, she has helped many organizations, schools, churches, etc. to meet their needs and goals through her generous donations.”
In every facet of her life, Phyllis M. Taylor exemplifies the values of compassion, dedication, and excellence. Her journey from law clerk to a prominent figure in the corporate and philanthropic spheres is a testament to the power of vision and the capacity to effect meaningful change. Through her tireless efforts, she continues to inspire and uplift communities, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
Leaders In Philanthropy Awards are presented annually to outstanding individuals, couples, and corporations who have supported nonprofit organizations, churches, and schools through charitable giving and/or philanthropic work. Individuals and couples are selected from each of the eight parishes of Community Foundation of Acadiana’s (CFA) primary service area, including Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion Parishes.
CFA welcomes nominations from the general public at www.cfacadiana.org/lip. Nominees need not be donors or have a Fund at CFA. CFA’s Past Board Members consider nominations and submit their recommendations to the CFA Board of Directors for final approval, including those proposed by any Parish Affiliate Advisory Board.
Community Foundation of Acadiana’s core purpose is to build legacies and improve communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. CFA has realized more than $348 million in philanthropic activities since its inception in 2000. CFA’s donor-directed grant distributions now exceed $185 million. While donors are not limited geographically, CFA’s primary service area includes the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion. CFA is the third largest community foundation in the state and expects to soon be included in the Top 100 U.S. community foundations by assets. These important milestones ensure CFA’s position as one of Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organizations.