Cobalt Foundation

Background

Cobalt Foundation was established in 1967 alongside the “Colorado Association for the Study of Abortion” and was later known as the “NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado Foundation.” The group evolved into a statewide operation, initially affiliated with NARAL Pro-Choice America, before becoming independent in 2020. Cobalt Advocates operates as a 501(c)(4) advocacy and lobbying organization, while the Cobalt Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) educational entity focused on education and grantmaking. ^{7 8}

The group announced its split from NARAL Pro-Choice America in 2020, stating that it wanted to “solidify the state as a stronghold for abortion rights while many other Middle America states are enacting restrictions.” The group rebranded as “Cobalt” after the silvery-blue metallic element. Kate Middleton, president of the group, stated regarding the name, “It’s fundamental. It’s powerful. It says we are here and we are not going anywhere.” ⁸

In response to the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning the purported national right to abortion under Roe v. Wade, Cobalt Advocates and the Cobalt Foundation intensified efforts to position Colorado as a destination for abortion-seekers from restrictive states, particularly through the Cobalt Foundation’s operation of the Cobalt Abortion Fund. ⁹

Among the most prominent projects of Cobalt is the Cobalt Abortion Fund, which is operated by the Cobalt Foundation and provides direct aid to those seeking abortions. ¹⁰

Activities

Cobalt Foundation has advocated state-level policies to expand abortion access, including direct lobbying through Cobalt Advocates to defeat proposed restrictions and promote public funding of abortion procedures. ^{11 12}

Cobalt Abortion Fund

The Cobalt Abortion Fund, a program of the Cobalt Foundation, was established in 1984 and was previously known as “the Freedom Fund.” The fund was established by the First Universalist Church of Denver in 1984, the same year a Colorado ballot initiative ended Medicaid funding for abortions in the state, and was taken over by the NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado Foundation in December 2017. The fund provides direct financial assistance for abortion procedures and support costs such as travel, lodging, food, and child care. In 2023, the fund spent $1.25 million assisting over 2,900 individuals seeking abortions, with expenditures projected to reach $2.5 million in 2024 due to increased demand from out-of-state abortion-seekers. The fund implemented a monthly spending cap in July 2024 amid funding shortfalls. The group states that it partners with clinics in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, reimbursing providers on a sliding scale and covering costs regardless of gestational age or demographic factors. ^{13 9}

Funding

The Cobalt Foundation has received grants from left-of-center foundations. In 2022, the Katz Amsterdam Foundation provided $125,000 to the foundation for the Cobalt Abortion Fund to “support access to reproductive health care for women across the country.” The David and Lucile Packard Foundation awarded $500,000 in 2024 as part of its reproductive health funding initiatives. Other funders include the Eliza Buyers and David Pinkert Foundation, the Karen and Todd Blue Family Foundation, and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation.  ^{4 14 15}

Labor Dispute

In February 2025, Cobalt Foundation faced allegations of union-busting after terminating two unionized workers from the Cobalt Abortion Fund and reassigning a third. The terminations were attributed to a strategic shift from organizing to policy work, but union members claimed retaliation following the formation of the Cobalt Workers United in June 2024. Workers initiated a strike, demanding the workers’ reinstatement, and one staffer resigned in protest. The organization denied the allegations but settled with the union later that year. ^{16 17}