By: Karen McPherson Jackson, Estes Nonprofit Network
Part Three of a Three-Part Series
No single person or organization can “do it all.” When you combine skills and assets from various parties, you create a mighty web working towards one vision. This week’s collaborative highlight focuses on the intersection of Tourism + Businesses + Philanthropy to help bridge a gap between the people who benefit from nonprofits and those who currently pay for them.
There are 70+ nonprofits registered in the Estes Valley, and most seek donations from our 11,000 locals. Donor fatigue and finite resources force nonprofits to find funding elsewhere. The Estes Nonprofit Network identified tourism as an under-tapped resource for nonprofit programs and services (first through logic and then through the 2024 Nonprofit Economic Impact Study). Tapping the 4.5M tourists on the shoulder to see if they would like to give back makes sense. About 80% say yes; it’s worth the ask.
Some nonprofit programs and services are invisible to guests and others are right in front of them (although they may not “see” the work that goes into it): childcare assistance for our workforce, emergency services, healthy open spaces and waterways, art murals, and free concerts. All of this undeniably adds to our guests feeling like they “Love Estes.”
Giving Guest
Vision: Leverage tourism dollars to support local nonprofits
In 2022, The Network launched the Giving Guest program by engaging philanthropically-minded businesses to invite customers to give back.
Giving Guest Business Partners are a critical part of the equation. They are already invested in this community and invite their customers to join them by rounding up at the register (or purchasing a donation-dedicated product). All of that “pocket change” is a big deal: so far this year, nine retail businesses and three lodges have gathered over $14,800 in donations. Retailers either invite guests to round up at the register or sell a designated product; lodges offer an opt-in donation to guests. Some retailers support all 40+ nonprofits registered for the program, and others lean into a sector that aligns with their brand or values. The Network acts as a financial pass-through for the donations, distributing funds collected throughout the year to participating nonprofits.
This program is a match for Visit Estes Park’s Stewardship Imperatives. Sustainable Tourism took root as a focus area for our local destination marketing organization a couple of years ago. The Giving Guest program is then mentioned in their 2025 Strategic Plan and addresses their goal to enhance the overall quality of the visitor experience while “cultivating the town’s authentic character and contributing to the town’s quality of place.” With this strategic overlap in mind, Visit Estes Park came on as a marketing partner this year. They are in the midst of producing three short videos that focus on the Giving Guest Business Partners and the nonprofit projects that are funded.
The $14,800 up against the 4.5M visitors to Estes Park tells us this program has room to bloom. As more business partners come on board and our tourists are encouraged to give back, this collaboration will help to keep Estes a vibrant community worth visiting again…and again.
How to get involved:
Business partners interested in learning how to participate should contact [email protected]. Customers of Giving Guest Business Partners can thank or acknowledge the business. Individuals can donate directly to Giving Guest. Visit epnonprofit/giving-guest to learn more about this program.
The Estes Nonprofit Network supports and strengthens nonprofits in the Estes Valley through education, collaboration opportunities, and resources. Registration is now open for 4 Steps to Cultivating Collaborative Partnerships. Participants will learn how to set clear goals, establish shared agreements, foster psychological safety, and create sustainable, co-owned leadership structures. October 21, 10-12 pm. Learn more at epnonprofit.org/education.