Founded in 1996, the Colcom Foundation has been working for over two decades to help preserve the Earth’s delicate ecosystems. Cordelia S. May founded the organization when she realized that population growth was upsetting the delicate balance of nature. More and more people are living in urban areas without access to green spaces. Studies have shown that interaction with nature makes individuals happier and less depressed. She saw a need to preserve as much green space as possible for the benefit of future generations.
The Colcom Foundation primarily funds projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania. They fund land trusts, conservation areas, and fund organizations that restore waterways. The organization also funds research and non-profit legal services for residents impacted by fracking in the area.
Besides helping promote the natural beauty of the Pittsburg area, the foundation helps enhance the lives of residents by supporting a variety of programs. One is the Community Kitchen Pittsburgh, which offers culinary training to individuals who have difficulty finding employment. Another program they are proud to help support is the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog, which helps Pittsburgh veterans find service dogs.
The Colcom Foundation is also concerned about American’s access to clean drinking water from rivers, reservoirs and streams. Nearly half of the freshwater resources the country has will run short of the demand by 2071. An increased demand by a growing population is already straining our country’s aging infrastructure for delivering water. Additionally, rising temperatures are causing the available water to evaporate faster. For example, they support The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds. This organization works to preserve and protect Pennsylvania’s water resources.
Although Cordelia Scaife May passed in 2005, her ideals live on. There are more environmentalists now than ever bore as people see how important green spaces and fresh water are important to our quality of life.
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More about Colcom Foundation on https://waterlandlife.org/land-conservation/colcom-revolving-fund-for-local-land-trusts/