Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center receives $2 million pledge from Mabee Foundation, Walton Family Foundation

Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in western Pulaski County announced it 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 Mabee Foundation award will help renovate facilities that 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 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.

The Walton Family Foundation’s gift will support the entire campaign, including the Stream Restoration Project and the Belden Pond Waterfront development.

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.

“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.

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 center of mission and ministry dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.