To further assist the non-profit community, Onward! supports numerous groups and initiatives by being their Fiscal Sponsor. This fiscal sponsorship is an agreement between Onward! and the group/initiative/project which is providing or meeting a community need and requires non-profit recognition.
Once the group is sponsored by Onward!, they are provided the benefits of a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and all their financial activity is recorded on the Onward! books. Onward! provides the necessary support so that these groups may pursue their programs or missions, with some of the groups eventually obtaining their own non-profit status.
For more information about Fiscal Funds, please contact us.
School Community Youth Collaborative (SCYC)
Established December 2010
SCYC is a youth serving organization that supports connection, youth leadership, communication and community. We are a prevention based organization in Montezuma County that supports youth through out-of-school time programming, substance use prevention programming, and safe driving education. Our Gear Lending Library lends outdoor and recreational gear to local residents, programs and schools at no cost to them. SCYC has been serving Montezuma County since 1999. Visit SCYC's website for information on their activities.
Cortez Panthers Youth Football Fund
Established June 2012
This fund was created to support and supplement the Cortez Panthers Football teams. Cortez Panthers offer youth football to 2nd through 6th-grade students in Cortez, Dolores, and Towaoc.
Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance
Established January 2013
SCCA is a grassroots organization dedicated to maintaining the Conservation Lands in their own "backyard" of Montezuma and Dolores counties in Colorado. The group finds alternative financial aid and volunteer support to care for the precious and delicate landscape of the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Visit Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance's website for more information.
Montezuma Leadership Network
Established June 2015
This group operates the Leadership Montezuma program. Their mission is to identify, enlighten, and encourage emerging leaders of diverse backgrounds, occupations, and cultures for the purpose of enhancing the quality of leadership in the community. Visit Montezuma Leadership Network's website for more information.
Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project
Established June 2018
Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project (MORP) is working to preserve Colorado’s fruit-growing heritage and restore an orchard culture and economy to the southwestern region. MORP envisions southwestern Colorado being renowned for an orchard culture and economy based on the legendary quality and diversity of Montezuma Valley Fruits. Visit MORP's website for more information.
Good Food Collective
Established April 2019
The Good Food Collective works together to build a just and thriving food system in Southwest Colorado. We do this by increasing access to healthy food, supporting farmers, reducing waste, changing policy, and connecting the region. Learn more at their website and Facebook page.
Four Corners Dance Society
Established August 2019
The Society is a group of dance enthusiasts who work to ensure the longevity of access to ballroom, Latin, swing, and other dance opportunities. Stay up to date with the FCDS by following their Facebook page.
Construyendo (formally Herb Hut Free Clinic)
Established September 2019 / November 2021Construyendo Poder began in 2018 as a grassroots response to the urgent call for healing, resilience, and community care among monolingual/bilingual Indigenous, Brown and Latine families. Guided by the principles of healing justice, we recognize that health is not only the absence of illness but also the presence of individual safety, dignity, and collective power.
In partnership with several other grassroots initiatives, we came together to imagine a different way forward. By weaving together traditional knowledge, holistic practices, western science, harm reduction strategies and culturally rooted care, we formed what is now known as Construyendo Poder — a community-driven organization committed to building pathways of wellness, justice, and belonging.
At our core, we uplift the wisdom already present in our communities. We create spaces for families to recover from trauma, reconnect with ancestral practices, and thrive in environments where everyone’s dignity is honored. We believe in care as resistance, in wellness as a form of collective liberation, and in building bridges of support that protect and strengthen the lives of all who call our region home.
For more information, visit their website or Facebook page.
San Juan Mountain SOLES
Established November 2019
San Juan Mountain SOLES inspires young women to lead healthy, fulfilling lives rooted in big mountains, confident leadership, and authentic community engagement. For more information, visit their website.
D'Voce Community Choir
Established November 2019
D'Voce Community Choir began in 2019 with the vision of bringing Christ-centered music to Montezuma County. Donate to D'Voce here.
DARE to be You
Established January 2020
The DARE to be You program is an evidence-based model program to build strengths in youth by working with them through family, school, and community organizations to reduce problem behaviors such as substance abuse, school dropout, and other risky behaviors. Visit the DARE to be You website for more great information.
Dolores Youth Baseball
Established February 2020
The goal for Dolores Youth Baseball is to bring baseball back to the Dolores Community for the children who attend the Dolores School District in order to learn and grow while playing baseball together.
Ohana Kuleana Community Garden
Established May 2020
Located in Durango, the Ohana Kuleana Community Garden promotes healthy living, organic gardening, and sustainability to build a strong, supportive community for all. Interested in joining the garden, click here.
Four Corners Slow Money
Established August 2020
Through micro and small loans, Four Corner's Slow Money's goal is to build a robust local food economy by giving community farmers, growers, and local food enterprises a leg up in the Four Corners region. Visit their website and Facebook page. To donate to Four Corners Slow Money click here.
Dolores Watershed Resilient Forest Collaborative
Established September 2020
Dolores Watershed Resilient Forest Collaborative (DWRF) promotes forest, community, and watershed resilience through collaboration with a variety of local partners. Visit their website and Instagram page.
20MOONS Dance Theatre
Established December 2020
20MOONS is a collaborative of dancers and musicians, we create multi-media performing arts experiences that shake up perceptions of reality, leading to transformation on the cellular level of individual and collective beings. Visit their website and Facebook page.
LOR Foundation Fiscal Fund
Established June 2021
LOR Foundation provides individuals a source for grant funds to use towards charitable and educational pursuits within Cortez. Have an idea for improving quality of life in Cortez? Start the conversation with our Cortez Community Officer, Nicci Crowley. Visit their website and Facebook page to see what projects are happening.
Cortez Farmers Market - June - October - 109 W. Main St. - Courthouse Parking Lot
Established March 2022
We are a group of independent producers who want to support the local community with locally grown produce, dry beans, eggs, local meats, fresh flowers, local honey, homemade goods, and specialty vendors selling prepared foods, and beverages. Our customers are friends and families in our area who wish to support their local producers to ensure the small producers continue to thrive. For more information visit the market website.
Durango Wild Soul
Established August 2022
Durango Wild Soul's vision is to create a place that fosters children’s ability to stay connected to the divine spark within while rooting deeply into the earth, nature and community. Check out their website to learn more about their roots and big vision.
Cortez BMX
Established September 2022
As a USA BMX sanctioned track Cortez BMX strives to provide a safe, fun, and competitive racing environment. Cortez BMX promotes sportsmanship, leadership, and hard work through a racing atmosphere that values encouragement, accomplishment, and physical activity.
Cortez Pickleball Club
Established October 2022
The mission of the Cortez Pickleball Club is to encourage the growth and development of pickleball in the Cortez area. For more information visit their website.
MCHS Band Boosters
Established December 2022
The MCHS Band Boosters are an all-volunteer organization comprised of parents and community members who wish to support the band. The boosters provide essential funding and support for the MCHS Band Program throughout the school year.
Pueblo Seed and Grain Hub
Established February 2023
An initiative to adapt Southwest regional food production and consumption to hotter, drier conditions by establishing a seed repository and infrastructure for open-pollinated, drought-tolerant grain and legume field crops. Services and activities include food-grade seed cleaning and testing, demonstration gardens, recipe and product development, as well as training and education in areas of grain literacy and food security in support of human and planetary health.
For Love and Babes
Established March 2023
For Love and Babes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting parents in our community through connection, education, and compassion. Our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming space where parents can come together to share experiences, listen deeply, and support one another.
We offer a variety of support groups, including gatherings for mothers of babies, fathers, mothers of toddlers, virtual sessions, and Spanish-speaking groups. Our goal is to ease the challenges of parenting and reduce the feelings of isolation that often come with it—especially during the postpartum period.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to nurturing mental health and promoting the overall well-being of families. For more information visit their website.
Lost Canyon Bike and Skate Park in Dolores, Colorado
Established March 2023
The Lost Canyon Bike and Skate Park is a modern recreational space for our community in Joe Rowell Park in downtown Dolores. The Lost Canyon Group will provide maintenance, promote programming, and continue to build and expand this incredible resource.
MCHS Drama Boosters
Established November 2023
The MCHS Drama Boosters provide essential funding and support for the MCHS Drama Department throughout the school year to allow them to bring quality theatrical productions to our community and to teach students the arts of performance and design.
Montelores Coalition
Established December 2023
The Montelores Coalition is a diverse group working together to Balance sustainable outdoor recreation and conservation of natural, agricultural, and cultural resources to serve the unique needs of Colorado’s southwest corner.
Squirrel Congress
Established December 2023
Squirrel Congress celebrates local culture by facilitating quirky experiences and productions in order to strengthen our community through partnerships with local businesses and nonprofits. Visit their website.
Cortez Youth Basketball
Established December 2023
Cortez Youth Basketball is a group of volunteers who help middle school aged boys and girls play basketball. They work with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teams that travel to play.
MCHS Track Boosters
Established February 2024
The MCHS Track Boosters provide essential funding and support for the MCHS Track Team to allow kids to participate without additional costs.
Montezuma County Fair Junior Livestock Committee
Established May 2024
The mission of this group (formerly the Montezuma County 4-H Stakeholders) is to help assist the Montezuma County Fair Board with the livestock portion at the fair.
Southwest Colorado Concerts
Established July 2024
The mission of this group is to present the an annual series of live, world-class, classical and contemporary concerts at a cost broadly affordable to the community. We do this with dedicated volunteers, local financial support, and a partnership with Montezuma-Cortez High School.
ReNew
Established July 2024
The mission of ReNew is to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence, adult sexual assault, and adult survivors of child sexual abuse through crisis intervention, public education, and awareness.
STUDents Tackling Unhealthy Decisions
Established October 2024
The mission of this group is for STUDent leaders to converse within our community to prevent substance abuse.
Southwest Community Justice Coalition
Established December 2024
The Southwest Community Justice Coalition works hand in hand with our community providing restorative practices and transformative solutions to address conflict and cycles of harm in order to heal and build relationships and a stronger, safer and more just southwest Colorado.
Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado
Established December 2024
The Sustainability Alliance of Southwest Colorado (SASCO) networks with local organizations, businesses, governments, and individuals to create a more just society that prioritizes environmental stewardship, social equity, and a thriving local economy.
Four Corners Community Band
Established February 2025
To provide quality, public musical entertainment for the Four Corners area and to provide an opportunity for area musicians to continue their involvement in music.
Lamp Post Creative Learning Center
Established March 2025
The Lamp Post Creative Learning Center provides a space for people to come together to build community through learning, creating and exploring.
Cortez Arts District
Established March 2025
The Cortez Arts District aims to enhance our cultural landscape, develop creative spaces, and drive economic growth through collaboration.
MCHS Football Boosters
Established April 2025
The MCHS Football Boosters provide essential funding and support for the MCHS Football Team to allow kids to participate without additional costs.
Wildwood Dance Project
Established April 2025
The Wildwood Dance Project is dedicated to revisioning the art of dance by blending movement, media, and community.
