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Cordelia Scaife May: A Life Devoted to Philanthropy and Environmental Conservation

Cordelia Scaife May, a name that echoes through the hallways of
philanthropy and environmental conservation, was a woman who dedicated her life
to using her wealth for the betterment of the world. Born into a family of
remarkable financial standing, Cordelia transformed her inheritance into a tool
for positive change. 

Cordelia Scaife May’s dedication to environmental conservation was apparent in her many
philanthropic endeavors. She believed that protecting the environment was a
duty of all humankind and made it a central focus of her life’s work. Her
philanthropic ventures ranged from safeguarding archaeological sites to
preserving vast expanses of natural land. 

A testament to her commitment, Cordelia established the Colcom Foundation.
This Pittsburgh-based charitable organization was the driving force behind
Cordelia Scaife May’s philanthropic initiatives. The foundation’s primary focus
areas, environmental conservation and sustainability, mirrored Cordelia’s
personal convictions. 

Known for her reclusive nature, Cordelia chose to utilize her fortune rather than flaunt it.
Her generous donations to various causes demonstrated her belief in actions
over words. Cordelia Scaife May’s philanthropic journey extended beyond U.S.
borders, with her properties in Maui and Kauai donated to the Nature
Conservancy of Hawaii and the National Tropical Botanical Garden, respectively. 

Despite her affluence, Cordelia Scaife May remained grounded, shaping her legacy through humility and
benevolence. Even in passing, she ensured that her life’s work would continue.
The substantial bequest left to the Colcom Foundation ensured her commitment to
environmental conservation and philanthropy would persist. 

Cordelia Scaife May’s life was characterized by her extraordinary generosity and unwavering
commitment to the environment. Her legacy serves as a beacon for philanthropic
efforts and environmental conservation, reminding us all of the impact one
individual can make. Refer to this article to learn more. 

  

Learn more about Cordelia Scaife May on https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2005/01/28/cordelia-may-76/f7898308-2a21-45fb-893c-4c1abe1a0747/