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. 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 represented 15% of the Conference Center's operating budget in the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year 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 recognition levels. Montreat's fiscal year runs from May 1 through April 30.

Partner with us and make your gift today!

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

Click above to view a copy of our Donor Listing from 2021-2022.

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.

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. There is an additional Wine & Cheese event for Gateway Society members at the end of the summer.

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?

In the 2021-22 Fiscal Year, revenue from programs, hospitality, and retail only covered 64% of Montreat's annual operating budget. Gifts to the Montreat Fund filled in the gap and contributed 15% of the operating budget. The rest was made up of things like endowment distributions and Covid-related Federal grants like PPP and Employee Retention Tax Credits.

The operating budget covers everything from gravel in the campground to staff salaries to bringing prominent speakers for conferences. In other words, without the Montreat Fund, the Montreat experience wouldn't be possible!

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!