As the Estes Nonprofit Network concluded its operations last month, the Estes Chamber of Commerce and the Estes Chamber Foundation are stepping in to ensure several of the community’s most recognizable nonprofit support programs continue.

The organizations have assumed responsibility for three longstanding initiatives — Giving Guest, National Philanthropy Day, and the Nonprofit Lending Library — to maintain services that connect local businesses, residents, and nonprofit organizations.

The transition also reflects the Chamber’s growing role in supporting the broader economic and civic health of the Estes Valley, recognizing that a strong nonprofit sector contributes to a thriving business community.

Beginning in 2027, the chamber will assume full management of Giving Guest, the community fundraising program that encourages visitors and residents to support local nonprofits. Registration materials for participating nonprofits and contracts for business partners are expected to be distributed this fall. Information about the distribution of 2026 Giving Guest funds will also be released later this year.

National Philanthropy Day, which annually recognizes volunteerism, charitable giving and community leadership, will continue under chamber coordination. Nonprofit organizations will also continue to have opportunities to participate through informational tables and community recognition events.

The chamber has also become the new home for the Nonprofit Lending Library, a shared inventory of equipment available to nonprofit organizations. The collection includes sandwich boards, iPads, a portable microphone, and the organization’s well-known owl mascot, affectionately known as “OWL.” Equipment can now be picked up and returned at the chamber office, while reservations will continue to be handled through the former network’s website during the transition.

The expansion aligns with the Chamber’s mission of strengthening the business climate throughout the Estes Valley. Through its Economic Development and Workforce Council, the organization works to support existing businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and attract new employers to the region.

The Estes Chamber Foundation complements those efforts by supporting programs focused on education, workforce development, economic stability, and community well-being. Taking on nonprofit programming broadens that community support while preserving services that many local organizations have relied on for years.

Beyond advocacy and economic development, the chamber provides a wide range of networking opportunities for businesses, including Coffee Connections, Business After Hours, Red Ribbon Cuttings, and the “Un’Book Club.”

The organization also hosts several signature community events each year, including its annual gala, the Women of Impact Ready Set Grow Conference, the Chamber Cup golf tournament, mini golf tournament, bowling tournament, Community Gumbo Dinner, State of Estes Park meeting, Sip and Shop holiday event, spring and fall Sidewalk Sales, and downtown Trick-or-Treat festivities.

Professional development remains another cornerstone of the chamber’s work. Through the BASE — Business Accelerator Services of Estes — program and partnerships with the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, Aims Community College, Front Range Community College, the Colorado Small Business Development Center of Larimer County, and other organizations, local businesses have access to workshops covering topics such as human resources, financial literacy, marketing, social media, and artificial intelligence.

Industry-specific alliances also provide collaboration opportunities for wedding professionals, lodging businesses, restaurants, construction companies, downtown retailers, Latino-owned businesses, and emerging young professionals through the Estes Next Gen Network, or ENGN.

The chamber also serves as an advocate for member businesses with local, county, state, and federal policymakers. Its Economic Development and Workforce Council helps connect businesses with regional and state resources, including the Colorado Small Business Development Center, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and the Northern Colorado Regional Economic Development Initiative.

Community investment extends beyond business support. The chamber administers the Kent Smith Memorial Scholarship, which assists local high school graduates pursuing higher education. This year, the Chamber also launched the Community Support Group for Exchange Visitors, bringing together the Town of Estes Park, YMCA of the Rockies, visa sponsors, and local employers to better support international seasonal workers.

Several chamber events are scheduled in the coming weeks:

  • Tuesday, July 21: Business After Hours at Bank of Colorado, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, July 30: Pages & Pints Bingo Night at Avant Garde Aleworks, 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Aug. 4: Business After Hours at the Estes Arts District’s “Allery” — the Alley Gallery, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • Friday, Aug. 21: Estes Chamber Cup at the Estes Park 18-Hole Golf Course.