Cortez Invests in Solving the Same-10-People Problem | LOR Foundation
Complete Engagement

Cortez Invests in Solving the Same-10-People Problem

  • Local Champion: Montezuma Leadership Network
  • Date Funded: July 29, 2022
  • Grant Amount: $24,700

When it comes to solving community problems in Cortez, often the same individuals step forward to lead community responses and projects. One Cortez local with years of experience in community building recognized why so few new voices were being heard: Montezuma County’s lack of leadership trainers, leadership development opportunities, and meaningful peer networking opportunities meant individuals who might want to step forward don’t have the skills to feel comfortable doing so. After she conducted several listening sessions with others in the community, the idea for the Montezuma Leadership Network was born. Led by a community development graduate student at Adams State and seven Cortez locals, MLN will develop and connect rising leaders through yearly cohorts, continuing education programs, and peer networking. LOR’s funding will be used to launch the program in its inaugural year, including supporting training and project management, meeting costs, marketing, and the creation of a website.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Onward! A Legacy Foundation

Impact

55 locals attended the first community listening event.

In The News

New Leadership Group Forms in Montezuma County (Cortez Journal)

Contact our community officer in Cortez. Meet Nicci Crowley
More Engagement Solutions
Engagement / Questa Women’s Network Helps Build Connections and Confidence in Questa
Local Champion:
Questa Economic Development Fund
Date funded:
July 29, 2025
Grant Amount:
$5,700
Engagement / Lander Community Poetry Box Showcases Work by Lander Poets
Local Champion:
Lander local
Date funded:
July 24, 2025
Grant Amount:
$1,000
Engagement / Lander Quarterly Zine Creates Platform for Lander’s Amateur Writers and Artists
Local Champion:
Lander local
Date funded:
July 24, 2025
Grant Amount:
$975
Engagement / Lander Expert Restoration Brings Lander’s Community Steinway Back to Concert Quality
Local Champion:
Lander Community Concerts Association
Date funded:
July 18, 2025
Grant Amount:
$13,400
Engagement / Cortez Cortez’s Quilts of Valor Chapter Honors Local Veterans
Local Champion:
Four Corners Quilts of Valor
Date funded:
July 15, 2025
Grant Amount:
$3,960
Engagement / Cortez An Interactive Art Installation Connects the Cortez Community
Local Champion:
Southwest Open School
Date funded:
July 15, 2025
Grant Amount:
$2,988

Share an Idea

If you have an idea for improving quality of life in Cortez or Monte Vista, Colorado; Lander, Wyoming; Libby, Montana; Questa or Taos, New Mexico; or Weiser, Idaho, use this form to start a conversation with us.

"*" indicates required fields