The national women’s fraternity’s initial gift of $500,000 in 2022 to BCRF more than quadruples with the announcement, and marks breast cancer research as an official philanthropic priority for ZTA
For more than three decades, Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) has empowered women through breast cancer education and awareness. By distributing more than 25 million pink ribbons and educating women about the importance of early detection, ZTA helps lead the way in breast cancer philanthropy.
Now, ZTA is taking that commitment even further.
At its 2026 Convention this summer, the ZTA Foundation announced a new two-year $2.5 million donation to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) to fund groundbreaking breast cancer research during BCRF’s 2026 and 2027 fiscal years. The announcement reflects an important evolution in the organization’s philanthropic mission: Supporting breast cancer research is now an official internal priority alongside education and awareness.
The expanded investment builds on years of partnership between ZTA and BCRF. What started as $500,000 over two-years in 2022—to recognize 30 years of breast cancer being ZTA’s philanthropic focus—the organization increased its gifts over the years. In 2024, ZTA committed to a two-year $1.25 million donation to mark 125 years since ZTA’s founding. The organization’s latest commitment doubles that investment once again, reinforcing ZTA’s belief that research is the key to ending breast cancer.
“For more than 30 years, Zeta Tau Alpha members have been committed to educating women and raising awareness about breast cancer,” says Carolyn H. Carpenter, president of the ZTA Foundation. “We’re proud to continue expanding that impact by investing in the research that will ultimately save lives. ZTA’s additional $2.5 million commitment reflects our members’ unwavering belief that the path to ending breast cancer begins with bold scientific discovery. We are honored to continue our partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and the remarkable researchers whose work gives families hope for a future without this disease.”
With this new gift, ZTA will increase its support to five innovative BCRF research projects focused on improving how breast cancer is prevented and detected, younger women’s breast cancer, and metastatic disease.
“Our sisters understand that awareness opens the door, and research changes lives,” Carpenter says. “As we continue supporting these five groundbreaking projects, we’re investing in discoveries that have the potential to transform how breast cancer is detected, prevented, and treated. We are grateful to partner with BCRF to help move that progress forward.”
Breast cancer remains deeply personal to the ZTA community. With breast cancer impacting one in eight women in the U.S., nearly every member has been impacted by the disease. Whether through a family member, friend, fellow sister, or a diagnosis themselves, this partnership strengthens the organization’s resolve to create a future where fewer families experience its impact.
The over 1,000 attendees of the 2026 Convention, consisting of alumnae and collegiates, met the grant announcement with overwhelming enthusiasm.
“Breast cancer has touched the lives of countless Zeta Tau Alpha sisters and the people they love,” Carpenter says.
“Looking out across the ballroom at ZTA’s Convention when we announced the $2.5 million grant was something I will never forget. The excitement and pride was palpable. Our commitment to breast cancer education, awareness and research is steadfast and strong.”
For more than 30 years, ZTA has inspired women to take charge of their breast health. Today, by pairing education and awareness with an unprecedented investment in research, the organization is helping drive the discoveries that will shape the future of breast cancer. Together with BCRF, ZTA is transforming awareness into action—and action into the scientific breakthroughs that will save lives.
