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Estes Valley Nonprofits are an Industry.

In a rural, tourism-driven town like Estes Park, nonprofits are the safety net, the workforce engine, and the quiet force holding this community together—ensuring our neighbors have the support they need to thrive. Now, for the first time, we have the data to prove just how vital they are.

The Industry
By the Numbers

10.3%

Local nonprofits account for 10.3% – or $114 million – of the Estes Park GDP annually. 

$131 M

At a minimum, it would cost $131.3 million for the government—or $145.9 million for the private sector—to replace the services nonprofits provide.

55%

of organizations report increased demand, and 43% face difficulty fulfilling their demand.

$8.2 M

3,951 volunteers contribute 225,862 hours annually for an estimated $8.2 million in value.

About the Authors & Purpose

This Economic Impact Study was conducted by Lucy Scott, a junior at Colorado State University majoring in Economics with a concentration in Race, Class, and Gender, and supported by the Estes Nonprofit Network (ENN). A proud Estes Park High School graduate, Lucy used this research as the basis for her honors thesis, applying her academic studies to real-world nonprofit impact.

The study was developed to quantify the economic power of nonprofits in a rural, tourism-driven community like Estes Park, proving that they are not just a safety net, but a driving force for jobs, revenue, and local stability. By providing concrete data, ENN is reshaping the narrative—nonprofits are not just doing good, they are an economic powerhouse.

This research was made possible through the Work-Based Learning Initiative Plan (WBLIP), a program of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, administered by the Fort Collins Area Chamber.

This study holds 24 pages of yummy data, ready for you to bite into. Enjoy!

Read the Report
Beyond Charity: The Economic Power of Estes Valley Nonprofits

Watch our presentation to the Town of Estes Park Board on February 25th where we shared key findings from our Economic Impact Study and highlighted the vital economic role nonprofits play locally.

Want to learn more, schedule a presentation, or request an interview?

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