25 Stories: La Plata County’s COVID Response, Strengthened by Community Partnership

In 2021, newly elected La Plata County commissioners were thrust into leadership during a pandemic—and with it, the responsibility of allocating $11 million in federal ARPA funds.

With no major revenue loss locally, the county chose to direct the money toward community recovery rather than internal infrastructure. But as the commissioners quickly realized, effective grantmaking is both an art and a science. That’s where the Community Foundation stepped in.

Through a selection process, the Foundation was selected to manage funding recommendations in areas like housing, broadband, food security, youth mental health, and education. From helping families displaced by Purple Cliffs to funding a countywide food systems plan, the Foundation helped turn vision into action. “I’ve never seen anything go from idea to execution so effectively,” Marsha Porter-Norton quoted from former commission, Chuck Stevens.

This collaboration is a standout example of how cross-sector leadership can respond to crisis—and build something lasting.

Thank you to Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton for her time to share her experience working with us through unprecedented times, and her great service to La Plata County communities.

To see more stories about the Foundation from various community members, visit our online flipbook here!