Who we are

Vitalant Foundation is securing financial contributions and stewarding donors to save and improve lives. As the official fundraising arm of Vitalant, the Foundation is continuously working to address the ongoing need for blood and blood donors. Thanks to the impact of financial gifts, Vitalant has saved and improved hundreds of millions of lives by providing essential blood products, clinical services, medical consultation, and innovative research. 

 We need your financial support to continue our lifesaving impact.

Vitalant Foundation History

Vitalant Foundation, formerly known as Blood Science Foundation, was incorporated as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization in 1987. The Institute for Transfusion Medicine (ITxM) was also the parent company of Central Blood Bank and Lifesource serving the Pittsburgh and Chicago regions respectively with blood collection, testing, and distribution services before ITxM merged into Vitalant in 2017. From 2008 to 2016, the Foundation granted contributions to tax-exempt organizations totaling approximately $25 million.

In 2017, Blood Science Foundation became an independent charity following the merger of ITxM with Blood Systems, Inc. In 2018, Blood Systems, Inc. was renamed Vitalant.

Our Staff

Katie Cobb

President,
Vitalant Foundation

Katie Cobb joined Vitalant in 2024 and oversees fundraising and philanthropic activities. Leading a national team of fundraisers, financial contributions support the safety and sufficiency of the blood supply, development of novel biotherapies and specialized laboratory services, and cutting-edge research. Before joining Vitalant, Cobb was president of the Barrow Neurological Foundation and held executive leadership positions at Great Hearts Academies and the Phoenix Symphony, among others. She was named one of Arizona’s 50 Highest Ranking Women in Business by The Arizona Republic and 48 Intriguing Women of Arizona by the Arizona Historical Society. She is also past board chair of Xavier College Preparatory and currently serves on the Catholic Charities of Arizona board. Cobb received her bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University and graduated from The Women's Leadership Forum at Harvard Business School and Executive Education Program for Nonprofit Leaders at Stanford University.

kcobb@vitalant.org
480.675.4243