Little Rock, AR February 5, 2024 - Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center today announced that Ferncliff has been awarded a $986,537 challenge grant from the J.E. & L.E. Mabee Foundation and a $1 million grant pledge from the Walton Family Foundation. The grants will fund a significant portion of the more than $7.6 million needed in philanthropic support to complete the Connect, Inspire, Transform Capital Campaign.
Ferncliff was founded in 1937 as a place for youth and adults to gather and experience creation in community with one another. Today Ferncliff is a thriving center of mission and ministry dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and beyond.
The Mabee Foundation challenge grant requires Ferncliff to raise an additional $1.52 million by January 9, 2025. The challenge grant is intended to spark private giving toward the organization. In alignment with the Mabee foundation’s focus on “brick and mortar” projects, its grant will support significant additions to Ferncliff’s youth camp and transform the retreat and conference area through major renovations and restorations. The facilities will include the Youth Commons Dining Hall, the Program Activity Center renovation and the Center for Restoration and Healing, which includes retreat lodging, meeting space and an open air chapel. The Walton Family Foundation’s gift will support the entire campaign, including the Stream Restoration Project and the Belden Pond Waterfront development.
According to Gill, the expansion effort addresses facilities that have long needed care and attention while also creating new spaces that enable Ferncliff to serve even more people. “People need a place to connect with one another in a comfortable environment surrounded by nature. The campers, children, and guests that come here will benefit from the improvements that this campaign will provide. They will be inspired by their experience at Ferncliff and return to their communities transformed, ready to make a positive impact there,” said Gill.
While many faith-based camps around the country are closing or struggling to keep their doors open, Ferncliff has grown significantly by finding new ways to meet its mission by adapting and responding to the emerging needs of people today. Through the support of generous donors, the Walton Family Foundation, the Mabee Foundation, and the Presbytery of Arkansas, Ferncliff has evolved into a thriving center of mission and ministry serving communities in Central Arkansas and beyond.
“Receiving this grant award puts Ferncliff over halfway to our $7.6 million goal. We still have a lot of work to do in sharing our vision and inviting more support but we are now on the downhill side of our fundraising effort and that feels good,” said Ferncliff Executive Director Joel Gill.
“Having a challenge grant provides us with a real incentive for donors to join in and be a part of the transformational expansion effort happening at Ferncliff. Receiving these grants will provide donors and other potential funding partners the assurance that Ferncliff is a trusted organization with a bright future; one that will steward their gifts and resources well,” said Gill.
To date, Ferncliff has raised $3.85 million toward the Transform campaign. For more information or to support the Transform campaign, visit resources.ferncliff.org/transform.