Colcom Foundation Announces $1 Million 'Marcellus Environmental Fund'

Grant submission deadlines: January 14 and March 14, 2011

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Dec 20, 2010, 12:14 ET

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 20, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Colcom Foundation is announcing a $1 million Marcellus Environmental Fund. This fund is designed to address the accelerating environmental impact of shale drilling in western Pennsylvania through public education, community engagement, best practices, baseline data collection, on-going monitoring, land owner guidance, and collaborative projects.

Grants from this fund will be distributed at the discretion of the Foundation's Board of Directors. Tax-exempt entities may submit a Grant Application in accordance with guidelines posted at www.colcomfdn.org.

Foundation Vice President of Philanthropy, John Rohe observed: "Energy extraction in western Pennsylvania has not always considered long term consequences. All too often, the community at large has paid the price without the profit. Remediation of prior mining activity continues to be funded by Colcom Foundation and others. Hopefully, with proper planning and timing, the Marcellus profits will not come at the expense of western Pennsylvanian's quality of life."

The Foundation strives to impart an appreciation for the pace of cumulative environmental impacts and the legacy costs for future generations.

"Nobody can predict the environmental impacts of Marcellus drilling on the community," added Carol Zagrocki, Program Director, "but a calmer pace, along with more information, will enable best practices for landowners, drillers, and governmental entities."

Grant Applications will be accepted until January 14, 2011 for grants to be awarded in February 2011 and until March 14, 2011 for grants to be awarded in May, 2011.

About Colcom Foundation

Colcom Foundation was created by the late Cordelia S. May. In southwestern Pennsylvania, the Foundation funds environmental projects addressing land conservation, watershed remediation, habitat protection, and air quality. In Pittsburgh, the Foundation supports programs enhancing the quality of life and community livability. Nationally, the Foundation addresses population issues.

www.colcomfdn.org

SOURCE Colcom Foundation