The Colcom Foundation supports environmental and conservation work in southwestern Pennsylvania and addresses overpopulation issues in the U.S. and globally. The 14 counties that comprise southwestern Pennsylvania have a history of heavy industry and resulting environmental damage. But the area also has a rich cultural heritage. The foundation provides grants for projects that preserve the delicate balance between human activity and the natural world.
The Colcom Foundation was founded by Cordelia S. May in 1996, at age 68. Mrs. May respected the beauty of nature and understood how ecological balance could be compromised. Although the effects of human population growth on the environment are imperceptible on a day-to-day basis, the cumulative effect over time can be devastating. Today’s news reports show the effects of imbalances between humans and nature, such as destruction of natural habitats and disappearance of various species of plants and animals. The Colcom Foundation’s grants support the vision and foresight of Mrs. May.
The foundation supports both local and national efforts. The foundation promotes environmental conservation in southwestern Pennsylvania. It helps organizations to conserve land, protect waterways, and implement sustainable practices, and awards grants to organizations seeking to preserve green spaces in western Pennsylvania.
The foundation also supports projects that promote culture and the arts in southwestern Pennsylvania, such as museum exhibits, educational programs, and health and human services. The Touchstone Center for Crafts sponsors a summer internship for emerging artists and students to hone their craft while learning studio management. Community Kitchen Pittsburgh provides culinary training and career coaching for individuals who have difficulty obtaining employment. Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs provides service dogs to Pittsburgh-area veterans, while Scenic Pittsburgh protects and promotes the natural and manmade beauty of southwestern Pennsylvania.
On a national level, the Colcom Foundation supports organizations that promote a sustainable immigration policy, because immigration accounts for 88 percent of American population growth. It also uses mass media and education to prevent unwanted and unplanned births. Refer to this article, for related information.
More about Colcom on https://waterlandlife.org/land-conservation/colcom-revolving-fund-for-local-land-trusts/