1. PURPOSE
Folkmoot is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
that fosters the vibrancy of many cultures while
building community. Folkmoot programs are
based on cultural exchange and designed to
build global relationships, foster cultural under-
standing and develop community prosperity.
HISTORY
Headquartered in historic Hazelwood School in
Waynesville, North Carolina, Folkmoot is an in-
ternational folk festival celebrating its 32nd year.
During its history, the two week event has fea-
tured more than 200 groups from approximately
100 countries. In 2014, Folkmoot began an in-
tentional process to become a year-round cul-
tural development organization.
PHILOSOPHY
As an organization built on decades of interna-
tional festival experiences, we believe that
sharing global culture in rural communities
broadens individual perspectives and changes
lives. Folkmoot creates opportunities for individ-
uals and communities across the globe to build
a deeper sense of connection, mutual respect
and shared purpose.
MANY CULTURES
ONE COMMUNITY
FOLKMOOT FACTS
Folkmoot USA is a 501(c)[3] non-profit organization that relies upon donations, sponsorships,
memberships and grants to provide year-round programming at the Folkmoot Friendship
Center and to produce Folkmoot USA, an annual 2-week celebration of global culture.
In 2003, with Senate Bill 840, the North Carolina General Assembly declared the Folkmoot
Festival, the International Festival of North Carolina.
Folkmoot USA is held annually during the last two weeks of July and brings international folk
dancers and musicians from around the world to perform throughoutWestern North Carolina.
Approximately 100,000 people attend Folkmoot performances each year.
Based on a 2014 study by Syneva Economics, the Folkmoot Festival attendees create a
$9.2 million economic impact in Western North Carolina. This economic activity
support 110 local jobs and generates $1.27 million in tax revenue related to
consumer-driven commerce.
Folkmoot USA is a member of CIOFF - International Council
of Organization of Folklore Festivals and Folk Art, in part-
nership with UNESCO.
In 2014, Folkmoot was named aTopTen Festival by USA
Today. For 22 years, the Southeast Tourism Society
named the Festival, “One of the Top 20 Events in the
Southeast” and the Southeast Tourism Society names Folk-
moot as a“Top 100 Event in America”.
Each year, hundreds of international groups apply to perform, but only
8 to 10 are chosen. Each year, Folkmoot creates a program with new and
different performers.
OUR VISION
Folkmoot is repurposing the historic Hazelwood School, the“Folkmoot Friendship Center”into a year-round incubator for cultural engagement,
community development and educational enrichment. On our renovated campus, we work with partners to host community celebrations, edu-
cational seminars and youth camps. Our commercial kitchen is suited for value-added food production and our cafeteria for ethnic food celebra-
tions and cooking classes. The multi-purpose room is a space for dances, arts and crafts sales. The auditorium is a venue to showcase local,
regional, national and international talent. Building B is a hostel space for travelling performers, outdoor interest groups of bicyclists, birders
and hikers and performing arts groups. The Folkmoot Friendship Center is a multi-stakeholder cultural development organization serving the
entire Western North Carolina region.
Photo by
Vicki Lynn Passmore
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Folkmoot USA P.O. Box 658 | 112 Virginia Ave., Waynesville NC 28786 | 828-452-2997 | info@folkmoot.org

2. THE CAMPAIGN FOR FOLKMOOT
Funding the transition from a two week summer festival
to a year-round cultural development organization.
With your individual support, we will build the collective foundation necessary to sustain Folkmoot’s important work for decades to come - advancing cultural under-
standing, educating youth and building the local economy. Please join us in making the programming a reality and continuing to bring the world together, right here in
Western North Carolina.
CONSIDER A GIFT TO FOLKMOOT
Special Recognition Naming Opportunities
The following descriptions are opportunities to support the Campaign for Folkmoot:
FRIENDS OF FOLKMOOT
Supporting Global Experiences in Rural Communities
All Friends of Folkmoot receive electronic newsletter updates, invitations to special events, early
access to festival tickets, special discounts, a listing in the annual program and an exclusive invitation
to the Gala, a private celebration of donors and dancers held at the beginning of the annual Folmoot
Summer Festival. Join friends of Folkmoot at one of the levels below
The Folkmoot Friendship Center
Repurposing Historic Hazelwood Elementary ($400,000 goal) The historic Hazelwood School serves as Folkmoot’s permanent home, hosting hundreds of performers
each July, as well as other groups and gatherings throughout the year. The campaign for Folkmoot will help to renovate the facility, including refurbishing a 300 seat au-
ditorium, replacing the roof and installing an efficient heating and cooling system. These upgrades will help Folkmoot offer additional events throughout the year, while
reducing annual maintenance and operations costs.
Year-round Programs: Changing Lives through Cultural Engagement
Boosting Annual Programs ($200,000 goal) As ongoing facility improvements allow, Folkmoot will host weekly arts, culture and educational events for the community.
The Friendship Center will also be a staging ground for regional ethnic communities, small business and community development projects and programs that advance
the quality of life and prosperity of the people of Western North Carolina.
Endowing Authentic, Global Experiences in Rural Communities
Sustaining the Future ($600,000 goal) The Border Memorial Foundation, named for Folkmoot’s founder, Dr. Clinton Border, provides long-term support for Folkmoot.
People and organizations have made significant contributions to this fund over time, including Adelaide Daniels Key. Tthe campaign seeks to grow the Folkmoot En-
dowment from it’s current $400,000 level to $1 million. That, in turn, will increase the annual income available to support the summer festival and year-round pro-
grams at the Folkmoot Friendship Center.
$100,000 - Auditorium, Cafeteria, Multi-purpose room: With a $100,000 contribution,
you will receive naming rights to one of the large common spaces of the Folkmoot building.
Each area will be named in honor of a contributor.
$50,000 - Peace Garden, Fellowship Deck: With a $50,000 contribution, we will
develop two new areas of the Friendship Center to expand year-round programming.
$500 - Seats (200 available): By contributing $500, your name will be embossed on a
name plate on the arm of a seat in our auditorium. Selection of seats is on a first come basis.
$500 - Gala Host:Six Gala tickets and listed as a sponsor on invitations to this exclusive event.
$300 - Folkmoot Supporter: Four Gala tickets.
$150 - Friend of Folkmoot: Two Gala tickets.
Are Donations to Folkmoot USA Tax-Deductible?
Folkmoot USA is a 501(c)[3] nonprofit organization. Donations are generally deductible minus the face value of
tickets and cost of advertising. Please consult your attorney or accountant on how to maximize the deductibility
of your specific gift
$1000 - Century Club: Eight Gala tickets and special acknowledgement on invitations,
two tickets for opening and closing events and a complimentary brick, plus Folkmoot Century Club pins.
Campaign Chair, Joe Sam Queen 828-508-2191
Board President, Rose Johnson 828-550-2051
Executive Director, Angeline Schwab 828-452-2997 or angie@folkmoot.org
Chair, Friends of Folkmoot, Chuck Dickson 828-421-1997
Have questions, great ideas or want to get involved?
$350 - Flags (150 available): With a $350 contribution, you can sponsor a
flag that will hang in the Folkmoot hallways, out in the community and outside
the Friendship Center. Flag donors will be recognized with sponsor signage.
$250- Bricks (500 available): A $250 contribution will be commemorated
with a brick etched with your name to be placed at the entrance of the Friend-
ship Hall, the cafeteria or the auditorium.