The Montreat Fund

Our Top Annual Giving Priority

The Montreat Fund sustains the mission and ministry of the conference center through collective, unrestricted, annual support. Due to the unprecedented program disruptions during the fiscal year 2020-2021, the Montreat Fund accounted for 26% of the total operating budget. Generous gifts continue to ensure that Montreat is able to carry out its work and respond with flexibility during ever-changing times. Donors to the Montreat Fund make the Montreat experience possible!

Gifts to the Montreat Fund typically represent 13% 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. See below for our different giving levels and details about our annual Patrons Reception. Montreat's fiscal year runs from May 1 through April 30.

Partner with us and make your gift today!

Click above to view a copy of our Annual Report from 2020-2021.

Make a Gift Online Today

For other ways to give such as by check, over the phone, or by stock transfer visit our Ways to Give page.

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

Montreat Office of Development Summer Event Schedule

The Montreat Fund Patrons Reception and Gateway Society Reception
will have invitations sent out ahead of time with more details and RSVPs.

Thursdays, TBD: The Sitting Duck in The Huckleberry - will begin when renovations are completed

Sunday, July 3: Summer Staff Alumni Reunion - visit our SSA page for more info

Monday, July 4: Fourth of July Activities including Pops on Moore Center Field

Saturday, July 16: Montreat Fund Patrons Reception - Food Trucks on Moore Center Field

Saturday, August 6: Montreat Fund Gateway Society Reception - Wine and Cheese in Upper Anderson

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. In appreciation of our Patrons and Young Patrons, we host an annual Patrons Reception during the summer months. View photos from last summer's Patrons Reception here.

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 and above

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.

Where do the funds go?

Revenue from programs, hospitality, and retail typically only covers 85% of our annual operating budget. Gifts to the Montreat Fund fill in the gap and contribute 13% of the operating budget. In other words, without the Montreat Fund, the Montreat experience wouldn't be possible! During the 2020-2021 fiscal year when Montreat experienced unprecedented shutdowns and program disruptions, the Montreat Fund accounted for 26% of the total operating budget.

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. Contact our office at development@montreat.org if you're interested in an endowment or capital gift!