Montreat Fund

If you have questions about the Montreat Fund, contact:
Julie Lehman
Director of the Montreat Fund and Major Gifts
828.419.9806 | Email

Make a Gift to the
Montreat Fund

Montreat's fiscal year runs from May 1 through April 30. Montreat Fund gifts must be received by April 30 to count toward the current fiscal year.

Our Top Annual Giving Priority

The Montreat Fund sustains the mission and ministry of the conference center through collective, unrestricted, annual support. This is our top philanthropic priority every year, as these gifts make the Montreat experience possible. These funds provide the flexibility to undertake strategic opportunities while also answering our immediate needs.

Gifts to the Montreat Fund represent 12% of our operating budget and have a direct bearing on our ability to:

Feature insightful speakers for conferences and talented preachers for worship.
Maintain lodges and facilities and provide a safe and welcoming environment for guests.
Offer recreational activities like boating, hiking, Clubs, crafts and pottery, and barn dances.

The conference center relies on widespread support from individuals, churches, businesses, and foundations to reach our Montreat Fund goal each year.

Partner with us and make your gift today!

We established levels to recognize and honor donors whose generous annual gifts to the Montreat Fund play a significant role in our ability to fund our many ministries.

Velvet Moose (current or former Summer Staff) - $25 minimum
Young Patron (age 35 or younger) - $100
Patron (Individual or Church Patron) - $300
Business Patron - $500
Gold Patron - $600
Gateway Society - $1,200*
Assembly Society - $3,000*
Lake Susan Society - $6,000*
Lookout Society - $12,000*
Anderson Society - $25,000*

Only you know what a meaningful gift is for you, your family, or church. Your participation at any level helps ensure the success of our campaign and communicates your commitment to sustaining and strengthening Montreat for future generations.

*Montreat Fund Leadership Giving Societies

Where do the funds go?

Revenue from programs, hospitality, and retail only covers 85% of our annual operating budget. Gifts to the Montreat Fund help fill in the gap and contribute 12% of the operating budget. In other words, without the Montreat Fund the Montreat experience would be vastly different.

Who should make a gift to the Montreat Fund?

Everyone! The Montreat Fund offers a tax-deductible* opportunity for everyone in our community to support the mission and ministries of the conference center. Widespread support from cottagers, conference participants, churches, foundations, businesses, guests, and friends is crucial to reaching our Montreat Fund goal each year. Gifts of all sizes are welcome and appreciated.
*to the extent allowed by law

What is the difference between dollars raised for the Montreat Fund, endowment, and capital?

All giving to Montreat is greatly valued and offers important support to various areas of the conference center. The Montreat Fund is our top philanthropic priority because it offers significant, unrestricted operating support to Montreat Conference Center on a yearly basis. Our endowment provides long-term financial stability by supporting ongoing physical maintenance as well as enhancements to programs. Additionally, some endowment funds provide need-based scholarships for individuals and groups to attend and participate in conferences. Capital gifts are typically larger investments in facilities, equipment, and infrastructure.