Courtney Patel  (장정미)

Deputy Executive Director, Program | she/her/hers

Courtney leads the charge on collaborative fundraising initiatives, digital fundraising platform strategy, and nonprofit success that drives stronger, more inclusive charitable giving in Minnesota.

Courtney began her nonprofit career fundraising for environmental and consumer protection causes before leading the growth of large membership programs at Hennepin County Library and Minnesota Public Radio. She is passionate about building a more just and equitable fundraising sector and is the co-founder of Community-Centric Fundraising Minnesota. Courtney also serves as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals–Minnesota, where she works to advance the fundraising profession through education, community building, and advocacy. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was honored with a Women in Business Award by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal in 2025. At GiveMN, Courtney most enjoys partnering with nonprofits to develop innovative fundraising strategies, improve the donor experience through technology, and create programs that help organizations of all sizes build lasting philanthropic success.

A book nerd at heart, Courtney earned her bachelor's degree in English Literature from Concordia College-Moorhead and later earned her master's in nonprofit management from Hamline University. When she's not advocating for a stronger nonprofit sector, Courtney enjoys spending time with her family in Korea or can be found walking around Gold Medal Park with her husband and four dogs.