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 / Libby Office Equipment Connects Libby Residents with Support Services
Local Champion:
Love INC of South Lincoln County
Date funded:
May 19, 2026
Grant Amount:
$2,457
Engagement / Libby A Monument Celebrates Libby’s Logging Heritage
Local Champion:
A Libby local
Date funded:
May 15, 2026
Grant Amount:
$2,800
Engagement / Lander Permanent StoryWalk Brings Year-Round Outdoor Reading to Lander Families
Local Champion:
Lander Library Friends Association
Date funded:
April 30, 2026
Grant Amount:
$14,269
Engagement / Cortez Art Workshops Combat Isolation and Inspire Wonder in Cortez
Local Champion:
A Cortez local
Date funded:
April 27, 2026
Grant Amount:
$2,743
Engagement / Cortez Cooking and Wellness Classes Connect Cortez’s Hispanic Community
Local Champion:
Manos Unidas
Date funded:
April 21, 2026
Grant Amount:
$4,000
Engagement / Questa Modern Kiln Expands Access to Community Ceramics in Questa
Local Champion:
Questa Creative Council
Date funded:
April 10, 2026
Grant Amount:
$5,721

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

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.