The Power of the Colcom Foundation in Transforming Communities
Since 1994, the Colcom Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based private philanthropic
organization, has been committed to transforming communities in the Allegheny
region into a place of beauty, safety, and sustainability. Through the
foundation’s focus in meeting the needs of citizens, current and future
generations, Colcom has ultimately proven to be working towards a brighter
future for all communities.
The mission of the Foundation is to create and promote policies, programs, and
activities that lead to a higher quality of life for all citizens in Allegheny
County, Pennsylvania and its neighboring regions. Whether it’s through
promoting land conservation and protecting natural resources or jump-starting
economic development to benefit local communities, the foundation encourages
change of all kinds.
The Foundation was established in 1994 by Colcom Group, a privately-owned
Pittsburgh-based firm and the foundation’s only grantor. Having just $32,000 in
initial assets, Colcom has since grown to manage nearly $400 million in assets.
Throughout the foundation’s nearly 30-year history, the Colcom Foundation has
dedicated its efforts to improving the quality of life and economic health of
the Allegheny region.
In order to carry out its mission, Colcom Foundation focuses its
work in two key areas: regional land conservation and economic development.
Here, the foundation emphasizes that every individual should have a secure
stake in vibrant communities.
The Foundation’s unique regional land conservation work has made a notable impact
in communities throughout the Allegheny region. Focusing on land stewardship
projects like the purchase of land and conservation, Colcom works with partners
to research the most beneficial use of land for the community. This not only
helps to preserve the natural beauty and environmental health of the towns, but
it also serves to promote healthy outdoor activity for locals. Colcom
Foundation’s work has also facilitated proactive environmental advocacy and
protection by groups, including the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy,
WeConservePA, Westmoreland Land Trust, Protect PT, and Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services.
In addition to their land conservation efforts, the Foundation is also working
towards helping to promote economic development throughout the Allegheny
region. By investing in small businesses as well as business start-ups, the
foundation is actively creating an environment in which businesses can thrive
and stimulate the local economy. This not only serves to create jobs for local
citizens, but it also serves to attract new investments and businesses moving
into the region.
The Colcom Foundation is also dedicated to bettering the lives of citizens through
its outreach programs. These initiatives are designed to provide assistance to
community members in need of housing, employment, and other social services.
Some of the Colcom Foundation’s initiatives include environmental protections, community
outreach, and health and wellness initiatives. These programs serve to promote
the well-being of local residents and create a community of unity and support.
Aside from the Colcom Foundation’s direct efforts, the foundation’s grants to local
nonprofits and charities are doing their part to ensure that the Allegheny
region continues to make strides towards sustainability. Many of these grants
are awarded to local non-profits and engaged organizations who are actively
working to better the communities of the Allegheny region.
The Foundation is a perfect example of an organization leading the way for positive
change in an increasing diverse and rapidly changing world. By transforming
communities, the Foundation is sparking real, meaningful change in communities
in the Allegheny region and beyond. With its commitment to improving the
quality of life of all citizens, the Foundation is certainly a leading name in
the philanthropic world. Visit this page for more
information.
More about Colcom on https://waterlandlife.org/land-conservation/colcom-revolving-fund-for-local-land-trusts/
