Colcom Foundation Grant

Colcom Foundation, established by Cordelia S. May in 1996, is a private philanthropic organization focused on promoting ecological sustainability and addressing the adverse impacts of overpopulation on natural resources. The Foundation traces its origins to Mrs. May’s early environmental advocacy and her belief that unchecked population growth undermines ecological balance and the quality of life. The Foundation's grantmaking reflects her commitment to environmental stewardship, population awareness, and democratic values. Since its inception, Colcom Foundation has funded initiatives that align with these core principles, supporting both national carrying capacity projects and regional efforts in conservation, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. The grant program is open to new and returning applicants, with the submission process beginning with a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) for new applicants. LOIs are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Upon LOI approval, applicants are invited to submit a full Grant Application, which is due on a quarterly schedule: February 28, May 31, August 31, and November 30. This structure allows the Foundation to review proposals at regular board meetings held in May, August, November, and February, respectively. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online grants portal. As of July 18, 2025, all new LOIs and applications must be submitted through the new Blackbaud Applicant & Grantee Portal. Applicants are required to create a Blackbaud ID if they do not already have one. Applicants are urged to download any in-process or previously submitted applications, reports, and contracts before the shutdown to avoid data loss. To complete a Grant Application, applicants must include several key documents: the most recent IRS Form 990, the latest audited financial statements or equivalent, an itemized project budget, and the 2025 Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Table. An annual report or newsletter may also be submitted optionally. Technical support for the online portal or LOI submission for national Carrying Capacity projects can be directed to [email protected]. Eligibility is centered on organizations whose work aligns with the Foundation’s mission to foster a sustainable environment. Although the Foundation does not specify strict eligibility categories on its website, its focus on conservation, environmental ethics, and democratic values suggests a strong alignment with nonprofit organizations and potentially higher education or governmental bodies that meet its thematic goals.

Transition to new portal is crucial; applicants must complete in-process work before the legacy portal shutdown.