Anonymous Donor Gives $56 Million To Minnesota Public Radio

ST. PAUL, MN — Minnesota Public Radio announced Wednesday that it has received a cash gift of $56 million from an anonymous donor.

It's the largest donation in the radio station's 55-year history, according to a news release.

The donor’s "explicit intent" is for the contribution to be used exclusively for YourClassical MPR and to create new media technologies, MPR said.

The station will establish a separate, permanent endowment in order to serve the donation's designated purpose.

"This extraordinary gift will have a transformative impact on the future of Minnesota Public Radio and the communities we serve," said Jean Taylor, the American Public Media Grouppresident and CEO.

"It will enable us to deepen and broaden our relevance with a growing audience by delivering compelling content, creating meaningful listening experiences and advancing MPR’s digital capabilities and infrastructure. Through the generosity and support of this donor – and so many others – we will continue to fulfill our public service mission."

MPR is a member of the American Public Media Group. "As MPR continues to invest in new media technology, it will serve as a model for digital transformation across APMG," the radio station said.

"We are deeply grateful for the generosity of this donor," said Mandy Tuong, an MPR Board Member.

"APMG and MPR are fortunate to have donors who believe in our mission and demonstrate their confidence in our shared future through ongoing financial support. As the largest classical public media organization in the country, we are well positioned to bring classical music to a new generation of diverse listeners."