The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, Inc. was chartered in 1954 and in 1983 merged with the Crown Development Trust Fund, Inc. The mission of Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, Inc., through successful fund-raising by alumnae and collegians, is to fulfill the founding principles of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity by providing, in compliance with IRS guidelines, support for programs that are educational, philanthropic and always responsive to the needs of a changing society, further enhancing Zeta Tau Alpha’s leadership position in the Greek community and its influence in the world.

The Foundation is a tax-exempt organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)3. The fiscal year runs from August 1 to July 31. Donations are tax-deductible. The Foundation, in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation and pursuant to the IRS code, provides support for scholastic, educational, philanthropic and leadership development projects and programs. Through these, the Foundation commits itself to making a difference both on the collegiate campus and within the community at-large.

2004-2006 Foundation Board — Left to Right: Sherry Server Tilley, ZTAF Vice President of Philanthropy; Deb Ensor, ZTAF Vice President of Development; Becky Hainsworth Kirwan, ZTAF President; Kay Dill Kreutzer, ZTAF Secretary-Treasurer; Catherine G. Slaughter, ZTAF Vice President of Scholarship

Thanks to our Zeta sisters, families, friends and corporate donors who have joined in our Tradition to Count On. The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation’s goal is $4 million dollars for the 2004-2006 biennium!

Your donations made the following accomplishments possible:

Scholarship – More than $300,000 was given in scholarships to over 200 graduate and undergraduates in 2002-2004.

Philanthropy – Since 1992 Zetas across the country have distributed 9 million breast self examination shower cards, two million pink ribbons, and 3.8 million breast self exam reminder cards.

Leadership Development – The ZTA Foundation supported the educational and leadership aspects of the Traveling Leadership Consultant program, and the House Director’s Seminar. In 2004, the Foundation presented the Outstanding Alumna Award to Shonda Schilling, founder of SHADE, the Curt and Shonda Schilling Melanoma Foundation of America.

Educational Programming & Speakers – The ZTA Foundation funded educational articles in Themis, and speakers at the National Leadership Conference and Convention. The Foundation also supported Stand Up! Stand Out!, a womens’ self-empowerment program with Kappa Delta Sorority.

The ZTA Foundation remains committed to raising funds for educational and philanthropic programs that meet the ever-changing needs of our Fraternity, college campuses and community.

Leadership Development

The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation promotes the development of leaders with emphasis on young women. As allowed by the IRS, grants to the Fraternity fund this leadership programming.

Advisor Academy for Leadership Development – The Foundation has financed AALD since its implementation in 1998. The purpose of the academy is to educate advisors so that they may effectively work with and guide our collegiate women. Personal growth and success is another aspect of the academy, and every effort is made to provide programming that will enhance the individual management and leadership skills of the advisor as well.

House Directors Seminar – Every two years, the Foundation funds a House Directors Seminar for both new and experienced ZTA House Directors. The weekend workshop addresses issues ranging from nutrition to house and food service management to safety tips. The Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity Housing Corporation facilitates and manages this seminar.

Outstanding Alumnae Awards – At the 1982 Convention, the Foundation introduced the Outstanding Alumnae Awards to recognize outstanding Zeta Tau Alpha alumnae who have made notable contributions in their professions and to society. As featured Convention speakers, these women uniquely serve as role models for our members. Past recipients represent a wide variety of interests including a Pulitzer Prize winner, the first woman Marine Corps General and several philanthropists. Applications for nominations for these awards are available after Convention and are due in the fall prior to the next Convention.

Speakers – Attendees at ZTA’s National Leadership Conference, International Convention, Panhellenic Conferences and other regional seminars benefit from speakers with expertise in areas that fulfill the Foundation’s mission. The Foundation provides funding for these speakers.

Traveling Leadership Consultants – The Foundation supports portions of the Traveling Leadership Consultant program dealing with communication, leadership development, crisis management and other educational aspects.

2005-2006 TLCs — Left to right: Erin Dickey, Meghan Vicinus, Colleen McGraw, Sarah Prasher, Nichole Nunn, Sarah Hannah, Heather Matthews, Susye Clark, Candice Perilstein, Ashley Altemus

Educational Programming and Scholarships

More than 3,800 ZTAs have been awarded scholarships from the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation since 1954. Each year, Zeta Tau Alpha members continue this tradition of support for worthy scholars by their contributions to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation. Yet, there are many applicants turned away due to a limited number of grants. It is the goal of the ZTA Foundation to provide as much scholarship money as possible each year.

The Foundation invites all Zeta Tau Alphas to join this effort of promoting scholastic excellence to undergraduate and graduate students. For more information, download our scholarship brochure.