ALTA Good Deeds Foundation Honors Mary O'Donnell, Awards $105K in Grants

ALTA Good Deeds Foundation's Charitable Contributions

On October 8, 2025, the American Land Title Association (ALTA) Good Deeds Foundation made a significant announcement at its annual event, ALTA ONE, held in New York City. This year, the Foundation has awarded $105,000 in grants, totaling its contributions to an impressive $1.36 million since its establishment in October 2020. The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization initiated by ALTA, aims to support various philanthropic efforts across the nation.

This year’s grant announcement bore a poignant note, as it came shortly after the unexpected passing of Mary O'Donnell, the Foundation's board chair and a notable figure in the title insurance industry. O'Donnell, who previously served as ALTA's president and was the president and CEO of Westcor Land Title Insurance Co., played a pivotal role in the creation of the Foundation. Her departing has left a void within both the ALTA community and the broader charitable landscape she helped shape.

ALTA President Richard Welshons expressed heartfelt sentiments about O'Donnell, stating, "Mary was a force for good, not only in the title insurance industry but in communities nationwide. Her vision for the Foundation encompassed a belief that our work transcends real estate transactions. These latest grants continue the good she initiated, and we aspire to honor her legacy through our ongoing contributions."

A total of 21 grants, each worth $5,000, have been awarded to various charities associated with ALTA members. The grant recipients encompass a variety of essential services across the country, reflecting O'Donnell's dedication to community engagement. Notable recipients include:

- A Kid's Place of Tampa Bay Inc., in Florida, catering to vulnerable children.
- Blaine County Housing Foundation, focused on affordable housing solutions in Idaho.
- Central Park Medical Unit Inc., a vital healthcare provider in New York City.
- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, which helps families achieve homeownership.
- The Girl Scouts of Greater New York Troop 6000, a program dedicated to empowering young girls through character development and leadership skills.

In total, O'Donnell's legacy is exemplified in the Foundation's commitment to serve communities through these grants, which now amount to over $1.3 million awarded to 234 organizations in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia. This commitment to philanthropy not only enriches lives but also strengthens the ties between title professionals and the neighborhoods they serve, culminating in a holistic approach to community betterment.

ALTA's Chief Executive Officer, Chris Morton, articulated the Foundation's mission concisely: "The Foundation is a testament to the generosity of ALTA members and our collective commitment to community. Our grants foster connections between title professionals and the neighborhoods they serve, demonstrating how we can uplift lives through collaborative efforts."

The ALTA Good Deeds Foundation's journey since its inception has been marked by remarkable achievements, enabling title professionals to actively make a positive impact in their communities. As the Foundation moves forward, it continues to honor Mary O'Donnell’s legacy through its unwavering dedication to charitable initiatives.

In closing, the contributions made by the ALTA Good Deeds Foundation not only serve as financial support to various organizations but also lay the groundwork for a culture of giving within the title insurance sector. It exemplifies the belief that the industry can and should be a catalyst for positive change in society.

The Foundation’s work and ethos illustrate a powerful legacy, driving home the importance of community service in professional fields. As we remember Mary O'Donnell, her vision lives on through the impact of these grants and the ongoing efforts of ALTA to uplift communities nationwide.