You’re invited
2026 Community retreat
February 5-6, 2026
Carmel Valley, California
This retreat is the signature gathering of our Flourish Fund community, when partners, investors, advisors, and friends come together to deepen relationships and celebrate what God has done.
Our time will anchor on a conviction that’s core to our model: when we strategically assemble givers and doers – each bringing our unique contributions to a faith-inspired plan – we can achieve something far greater than anyone could individually.
This year, the retreat will be held at Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley, California.
RETREAT AGENDA
This retreat is intentionally paced to create space for worship, thoughtful conversation, and meaningful connection.
Thursday, February 5th
7:30 am: Breakfast, Registration, Morning Activities
Join us for breakfast at the lobby bar, enjoy your preferred morning activity, and check in to let us know you’ve arrived.
12 pm: Lunch at the Lucia Restaurant
1 pm: Session 1: Identity, Calling & Generosity.
Before we can assemble, we need to do the formative work of knowing who we are and what we have to contribute. This conversation highlights how each panelist went on the refining journey of identity and calling, and how that shapes their approach to generosity.
We’ll gather in the Meritage Ballroom, beginning with worship and an opening message before diving into our first session.
3 pm: Session 2 – Assembling Together
Part 1: How Relationships Catalyze Local Ecosystems of Impact: The Together Chicago Story
Nearly ten years in, Together Chicago co-founder Michael Allen will share the journey of building a community assembled for collective impact and what he learned along the way.
Part 2: Flourish Fund Fort Worth: An Emerging Ecosystem
Hear from the Flourish Fund Fort Worth team and local community stakeholders about the foster care ecosystem emerging through our local discovery process.
4 pm: Afternoon sessions conclude
5 pm: Sunset Cocktail Hour & Dinner
Please join us for drinks & fellowship in the Rose Garden to watch the sunset together, followed by dinner in the Meritage Ballroom.
Friday, February 6th
7:30 am: Breakfast & Check-out
Join us for breakfast at the lobby bar, and take your time checking out if you’re departing later that day.
9:30 am: Session 3: Assembling Innovation for Impact
To continue to demonstrate the breadth and depth of impact achievable through the portfolio, systems-level investment approach Flourish Fund brings to the table - and how we’re building collaborations together we couldn’t do individually.
We’ll gather in the Meritage Ballroom for our last session of the retreat, beginning again with worship and a devotional time before diving in.
11 am: Q&A
12 pm: Closing Lunch
We invite you to linger and lunch with us during our final time together at the retreat.
If you need to depart earlier, to-go options will be available.
FAQs
Who will be attending?
An intimate gathering of philanthropists, advisors, and entrepreneurs who are working together to build a new philanthropic model and encourage each other in strategic generosity.
Where is the retreat?
Bernardus Resort & Spa in Carmel Valley, CA (~1.5 hours from San Jose, CA): Bernardus is offering us a discounted room rate of $345/night. Please click below to reserve your room. If you would like to add the night of February 4 or February 6, our discounted rate is available to extend your stay at this beautiful resort. Reservations are non-refundable after December 7th.
Transportation
Flights: For those flying in, please plan flights to arrive by 9 AM at SFO (~2 hours drive), 9:45 AM at SJC (~1.5 hours drive), or 10:30 AM at MRY (~20 minutes drive) on February 5. For departures, we recommend flights after 6 PM from SFO, after 5:30 PM from SJC, or after 4 PM from MRY on February 6. For private aviation, Monterey Regional Airport offers convenient access via Monterey Jet Center or Del Monte Aviation, just 20 minutes from the resort.
Car transportation: Bernardus Resort & Spa is 79mi from SJC and 111mi from SFO. If you’d like to arrange an airport transfer, we suggest using Corinthian Transportation or AITS, Inc.
Dress Code (Smart casual)
We encourage relaxed, polished retreat attire - comfortable yet well-put-together clothing suitable for indoor sessions, time outdoors, and shared meals. Think nice jeans or trousers, sweaters, blouses, dresses, collared shirts, and comfortable shoes for walking the property. Layers are recommended for cooler mornings and evenings.
For any questions or concerns, please email Ashley Kuhlmann at ashley@flourishfund.org or text/call her at (512) 785-1881.
