The Harold & Mary Louise Shaw Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of causes, with a strong emphasis on community development, education, environmental conservation, and animal welfare. It funds organizations that focus on youth development, food security, and cultural initiatives, reflecting its commitment to enhancing the quality of life in communities. The foundation demonstrates a particular interest in supporting educational institutions, wildlife conservation efforts, and community centers. Its funding activities are primarily concentrated in Colorado and Maine, where it provides grants to a diverse range of nonprofit organizations.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established nonprofit organizations with demonstrated ties to the foundation's focal states (especially Colorado and Maine) working in education, community services, conservation/wildlife, or similar community-focused work and capable of managing mid- to large-size grants.
Good Fit
- • Organization operates in Colorado or Maine (or has a strong programmatic presence there).
- • Request aligns with general operating or capital support rather than highly specialized RFP-driven projects.
- • Existing relationship, board or peer referral, or prior collaboration with a current grantee.
- • Capacity to manage grants in the $50K–$860K range.
Geography
Observed grants in the latest year span five states but are dollar-concentrated in Colorado (about 57% of 2024 giving), with secondary activity in Maine and New Hampshire.
Recipient Variety
The latest year funded 29 distinct recipients across multiple sectors (zoos, schools, community centers, conservation groups) and the foundation has added new grantees while also supporting many repeat recipients.
New Applicants
The foundation explicitly states it funds only preselected applicants and no public submission route or contact info is available; although 10 new recipients appeared in 2024, that pattern is consistent with invitation-driven additions rather than an open application process.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
