Cordelia Scaife May: A Profile in Philanthropy and Environmental Stewardship

 Cordelia Scaife May, an heiress to the Mellon banking fortune, will always be remembered
for her philanthropy and environmental stewardship. 

Born in 1928, Cordelia was part of the Mellon family, whose wealth and influence were
prominent in the United States. Her mother, Sarah Mellon Scaife, set a
philanthropic example for Cordelia, donating to various humanitarian causes and
medical research. Yet, Cordelia’s own philanthropic journey was unique, marked
by a deep commitment to environmental conservation. 

Environmental conservation was more than a passion to Cordelia Scaife May; it was her
mission. She believed in preserving nature’s beauty, evident in her generous
donations to protect American Indian archaeological sites and support
environmental initiatives. This path led Cordelia to establish the Colcom Foundation, a charitable organization known for its dedication to
environmental conservation. 

Cordelia’s philanthropy was not limited to environmental causes. She wielded her
substantial wealth to benefit numerous humanitarian causes, showing a deep
understanding of the role wealth can play in effecting positive change. Her
generosity extended beyond geographical boundaries, with her properties on Maui
and Kauai bequeathed to the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii and the National
Tropical Botanical Garden, respectively. 

In 2005, Cordelia Scaife May passed away, leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy and
environmental stewardship. Her dedication to giving continues to inspire and
benefit those who are recipients of her largesse. The Colcom Foundation and
other organizations continue to carry forth her legacy, keeping her spirit of
generosity and love for nature alive. 

Cordelia Scaife May’s story serves as an example of the transformative power of wealth when
used for the betterment of society and the environment. Her commitment to
environmental stewardship and philanthropy continues to make a lasting impact,
ensuring that her legacy will be remembered for generations to come. 

Refer to this article for more information. 

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