Giving Opportunities You are invited . . . To join us at The Mountain with the knowledge that your gift is for generations to come. To engage in our programs and experience your gift in process. To visit The Mountain and share nature's gift to us all. To become a new generation of giving by becoming an Annual Member - by giving each and every year. Why do we ask for your support? The Mountain's vision is to be a relevant institution for generations to come, actively working with others to create communities committed to peace, justice, civility and compassionate behavior. Your tax-deductible gift enables us to pursue our mission to create an environment to energize people to work for positive change. The Mountain is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The vital work of The Mountain depends on your presence and your financial support for its continuation. We want you to know … All gifts to The Mountain are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Gifts can be made online. Click here to donate online NOW! Gifts may be given in honor of or in memory of someone. Our Scholarship Program is designed to help ensure that no one is excluded from coming to The Mountain because of cost. A gift may be the stimulus for a new program or to start a capital project – explore such possibilities with us. Automatic Bank Drafts are welcomed — we can deduct your gift from your designated account. I will be glad to discuss these and other ways you can give your vital support to The Mountain. Christy Kelly — Director of Marketing & Development 828-526-5838, ext 230 Annual Donation / Membership | Scholarships | Memorial Gifts | Corporate Matching Gifts Designated Gifts | Non-Cash Gifts | Planned Gifts The Mountain Endowment Fund | The President's Society Annual Donations — Annual Memberships Annual donations are the most helpful way to financially support The Mountain. These gifts are vital to our ability to provide programs and services in support of our mission. Annual Memberships are open to anyone who wishes to be a part of our mission to energize for generations to come. Annual Mountain Memberships make a great gift for family and friends! Annual Giving Levels: Member $50 Friend $250 Supporter $500 Sponsor $1,000 Steward $2,000 Sustainer $5,000 Gifts can be made online or by check or bank draft. Click here for more information. Make an Online Donation Now! Return to Top of Page Scholarships Because we want The Mountain to be available to everyone, with cost never being the issue that keeps one from coming here, we promote the availability of our scholarship fund. The Mountain regularly awards over $50,000 per year to youth campers, families or individuals. Gifts are always needed to help replenish the fund. Return to Top of Page Memorial Gifts Memorial Gifts are available to honor a loved one. You might want a rocking chair or other type of commemorative gift. Also, The Mountain has established a lovely Memorial Garden to serve as a place for Memorial Services, an Ash Scattering Garden, a location for permanent memorial plaques and as a place of reflection and quiet contemplation. Return to Top of Page Designated Gifts People often show their generosity to The Mountain by giving to a particular project or cause, e.g., rebuilding the Lodge, REC Hall and Tower, new water system, repaving the road, etc. Such gifts are vital for the improvement of The Mountain. Return to Top of Page Corporate Matching Gifts These are increasingly available to The Mountain. Ask your company or institution for a form and give us a chance to qualify. Often such a match means doubling your gift! Return to Top of Page Non-Cash Gifts The Mountain has been fortunate to have people regularly donate significant non-cash gifts; e.g., computers, office equipment, books, videos, etc. Such gifts must be cleared ahead of time in order to assess The Mountain’s needs. For many people, non-cash gifts are a joy because they know The Mountain is receiving benefit from items that could not be budgeted. Return to Top of Page Planned Gifts Today, more than ever, people are planning ahead for their charitable giving. Often, they give to The Mountain during their lifetimes. In that way we receive an immediate benefit and they can see the results of their support. In addition, deferred gifts may be planned. This can be a bequest in a will (which can be easily accomplished through a codicil), a life insurance policy naming The Mountain as beneficiary, or a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT). A CRT will provide income during one’s life, with the assets in the Trust passing to the designated beneficiaries upon the donor’s death. There are major tax advantages with a CRT. Gifts may be given to The Mountain directly, for specific capital improvements, funding designated programs, or for the General Fund. They also may be designated for The Mountain Endowment Fund, Inc. Return to Top of Page The Mountain Endowment Fund, Inc. Incorporated in 1996, the Endowment Fund’s purpose is to provide ongoing financial support for The Mountain. The Endowment has its own board, which is responsible for the growth of the fund. While it operates independently of The Mountain, the Fund exists exclusively to enhance the current and long-term financial viability of The Mountain. We will be happy to provide you with further information to assist you in making your bequest decisions. Return to Top of Page The President's Society Anyone making or committing to a planned gift will become a member of The President’s Society. Recognition of the Society members (with their permission) will be via a special plaque, a handsome pin, in written materials, and at events hosted by the President. Return to Top of Page Site Map About Us | Programs | Bringing a Group | Calendar | Volunteers | Donate | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, Inc. • 3872 Dillard Road • P.O. Box 1299 • Highlands, NC 28741 Phone: 828-526-5838 • Fax: 781-846-1295 • Email © Copyright 2004 The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, Inc.