As the end of the year approaches, we are taking some time in each of our newsletters to highlight the various ways that Montreat Conference Center’s ministry is supported by gifts from individuals, families, churches, and other organizations thanks to a vibrant culture of philanthropy. Regardless of how you engage with Montreat, you have likely experienced the direct impact of these gifts, as roughly 13% of the conference center’s annual budget is comprised of individual donations to our annual unrestricted fund, The Montreat Fund, which supports a variety of programs and scholarships and helps to maintain various facilities throughout our campus.
In today’s update, we’d like to share a little bit more about the Montreat Fund and tell you about those who support it — the Montreat Patrons. You’ve likely seen or heard this term used throughout Montreat, but what does it really mean? To fully understand what a Montreat Patron is, let’s first start by exploring Montreat’s history of philanthropy.
The Montreat Fund has supported the mission and ministry of Montreat Conference Center for decades and offers those who love Montreat a unique opportunity to directly impact the Montreat experience. Originally called “The Patrons Fund,” The Montreat Fund, as it’s known today, began in 1962. While we no longer call it “The Patrons Fund,” we do still refer to those who support Montreat as “Montreat Patrons.”
Today, Montreat Patrons are individuals, churches, or organizations that make a gift of $500 or more to the Montreat Fund within the fiscal year (May 1-April 30). Currently, the Montreat Fund retains over 300 donors designated as having given for 10 or more years consecutively. Additionally, as a way of acknowledging the contributions of young adults in our community, those under age 35 are recognized as Montreat Patrons after making an annual gift of $100 or more.
When those original Montreat Patrons made their first gifts to the Montreat Fund, they established a lasting tradition of giving. After growing up in our Clubs program, attending a youth conference, visiting with family, or serving on Summer Staff, many children and grandchildren of Montreat Patrons have also chosen to financially support Montreat. By continuing that legacy, they help to make the Montreat experience possible for future generations. In recognition of their commitment to Montreat’s intergenerational ministry, one benefit of being a Montreat Patron is that they are granted early access to the Clubs and childcare registration process for their own children.
The leadership and loyalty of Montreat Patrons is felt throughout Montreat. It is felt in each paddle boat ride on Lake Susan, each mug thrown in the Sally Jones Pottery, each big circle mountain dance called in the Barn, and in the heart of each person who leaves Montreat with a renewed sense of faith. If you would like to join this culture of giving, we encourage you to become a Montreat Patron yourself! Make a gift online or, for information on how to mail a check, make a securities transfer, give through your IRA, visit our Ways to Give page. Thank you for your support of this special place!
This article was originally published in the December edition of Montreat Conference Center’s email newsletter Engaging Grace which highlights conference and event opportunities for adults. Sign up to receive Engaging Grace directly in your inbox by clicking here.