Cortez, Colorado

The heart of the Four Corners region

Cortez Rendezvous Balloon Rally (Photo by Aaron Lewis)

Impact

476 Locally Led Projects

$3.8M+ LOR Investment

$8,122 Average Grant

16 Average Days to Fund a Grant

Cortez’s remote location inspires self-sufficiency and connection.

Little wonder then that Cortez is a beacon for both innovation and community engagement, as demonstrated by the more than 470 projects locals have led since LOR first began working with the community in 2021. Folks here have developed creative projects addressing food security, the arts, mental health, and dozens of other areas. They’ve launched a makerspace devoted to entrepreneurship and workforce development, created an award-winning anthology of local writers work, and now, are raising a bison herd to supply protein to local food pantries. Age is no barrier for getting things done, either: Cortez’s youth—some still in elementary school—have led more than a dozen community projects. But LOR’s time in Cortez is coming to an end in September 2027, and longtime local Nicci Crowley, LOR’s community officer, wants to make the most of that time to turn even more good ideas into action—because when a community like Cortez comes together, big things happen.

To learn more about our work in Cortez, connect with Nicci.

Nicci Crowley Cortez Community Officer

Featured Work in Cortez

Engagement

Their Communities, Their Ideas

In Cortez and across the Mountain West, young people are stepping up and helping their communities with support from LOR.

Economy

A Lending Library Lends a Hand to Cortez Growers

Hundreds of apple trees were going unharvested in Montezuma County each year. One group of Cortez locals wanted to give growers a hand.

Engagement

A Community Coloring Book Celebrates Cortez’s Heritage

Despite a storied past, many residents lack a connection to Cortez's history and heritage. A community effort—and creative solution—has reconnected locals.