Donations
Along with the many volunteer hours within the community, the Women of WITAN (Women in Touch with Akron’s Needs) annually award up to $150,000 per year to community organizations. Since 1943, WITAN has granted over 1.75 million dollars to community nonprofit agencies.
Grants
2024 - 2025
$148,800
Good Samaritan Hunger Center $7,500
Harmony House $5,000
Vincent House $5,000
Peter Maurin Center $7,500
Hope & Healing Survivor Center $5,000
Blessings in a Backpack $5,000
Rape Crisis Center $5,000
Open M $10,000
Access, Inc. $2,400
Grace House $5,000
Grace House $1,200
The Well Community Development Corp. $4,500
Women's Auxiliary Board Children Services $5,000
CORE $5,000
Community Pregnancy Center $2,000
First Glance Student Center $5,000
Axess Family Services $3,000
Building for Tomorrow $4,500
Victim Assistance Program $4,500
The Littlest Heroes $5,000
Crossing Akron $5,000
Akron Municipal Court Peace of Mind Program $4,000
South Street Ministries $5,000
Kelly Reeves Memorial Foundation $5,000
Bright Star Books $1,900
CASA $3,000
Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio $5,000
Victory Gallop $1,500
Adult Guardianship of Summit County $5,000
Greenleaf Family Center $3,500
Students with a Goal (SWAG) $3,000
Keys 2 Serenity $2,500
NAMI $4,000
Greater Akron Music Association $2,000
Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet $2,000
Allocations
2024 - 2025
$4,094.82
Akron Zoo $600
First Tee $494.82
Lift Up Ministries $600
Project Beginnings $600
Tarry House $600
Thrive Through Tennis Foundation $600
Magic Yarn Project $600
More information on WITAN’s philanthropy
Grants 1980 to present
For a complete listing of all grants click button to download Excel Spreadsheet
Marion Geyer Fund
In 1943, Marion Geyer, a Beacon Journal columnist assigned to cover local society events and women’s news, helped WITAN to grow from a handful of dedicated founders to a thriving group of energetic and civic-minded Akron women. Miss Geyer publicized our social events and fundraising efforts, which she continued to enjoy even after her retirement. In recognition of her ongoing support, Miss Geyer was made an hononary member of WITAN. When she died in 1974, it was learned that Miss Geyer had included WITAN in her will. Her gift of $20,000 is now a named fund under the WITAN endowment fund. The interest generated by the principal fund is used annually to fund a civic non-profit agency project.
Allocations 2007 - Present
This scholarship program awards $1000 per year to a deserving, non-traditional senior woman at the University of Akron. The guidelines for the scholarship include; senior ranking, academic standing and financial need. The first award was made in the fall of 1999.
Ways to contribute to WITAN to support our philanthropy
WITAN Endowment Fund
The WITAN Endowment fund was established to commemorate the 50th anniversary of WITAN. The money invested in the WITAN Endowment fund is money that will create income in perpetuity and will insure the future of WITAN’s philanthropic endeavors.
WITAN Remembrance Fund
The WITAN Remembrance Fund was established in 1965, in honor of a Founder and the second president of WITAN, Eleanor Woodward. The monies donated to the fund are given to the Arboretum at the Seiberling Naturealm. These yearly donations are used for the planting of trees at the Naturealm.
WITAN Presidents' Scholarship
This scholarship program awards $2,500 per year to a deserving, non-traditional senior woman at the University of Akron. The guidelines for the scholarship include; senior ranking, academic standing and financial need. The first award was made in the fall of 1999.