Cordelia Scaife May, a member of the esteemed Mellon family, left behind a remarkable
philanthropic legacy that reflects her vision for a better world. Throughout
her life, May dedicated her substantial wealth and influence to causes that
aligned with her deep concern for the environment and sustainable coexistence.
May’s journey as a philanthropist began in 1951 with the establishment of the Laurel Foundation.
Through strategic grants, May supported initiatives in the arts, education, and
female empowerment. Her contributions extended to organizations such as the National
Aviary, the Allegheny Land Trust, and Planned Parenthood.
Cordelia Scaife May’s philanthropic endeavors were not limited to land conservation and
female empowerment. She recognized the interconnectedness between population
dynamics and environmental sustainability. May understood that unchecked
population growth could strain finite resources and exacerbate environmental
challenges. As a result, she championed sustainable immigration and advocated
for immigration reforms that would contribute to responsible stewardship of the
environment.
One of May’s most passionate causes was the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
(WC&S). Through sustained grants, May supported the organization’s mission
of providing safety, healing, and empowerment to survivors of abuse. Her support enabled WC&S to invest in personnel and community
engagement programs, breaking the cycle of violence with care and counseling.
In 1996, May’s philanthropic vision culminated in the establishment of the Colcom Foundation.
This foundation became a driving force in supporting initiatives related to the
sustainability of resources and climate change activism. May’s wealth and
influence were strategically channeled to create a lasting impact on the
preservation of natural resources for future generations.
May’s philanthropy was marked by her quiet compassion and dedication to causes she believed in.
She shunned public accolades and instead focused on making a difference. Her
legacy as a philanthropist continues to inspire others to work towards a
sustainable coexistence between human populations and the Earth’s resources.
Cordelia Scaife May’s philanthropic journey serves as a reminder of the power of wealth and
influence when used for the betterment of humanity. Her commitment to
environmental conservation, sustainable immigration, and supporting survivors
of abuse has made a lasting impact on the world. May’s example encourages us
all to contribute to a better future through strategic and compassionate
philanthropy. Visit this page for more information.
Find more information about Cordelia Scaife May on https://www.f6s.com/member/cordelia-scaife-may