Retreat budget
Where your retreat fees go
A top-down view of an assortment of papers, paint chips, scissors and tape strewn around a plate of cinnamon rolls.
We run writing retreats because we love to.
Since they are one of our most expensive offerings, it’s natural for participants to wonder where their money is going. We made this resource to be transparent.
We break even. These are not an opportunity to make money for our business. Instead, they’re an opportunity to do what we love most — connect with community in beautiful places, and hold people in their writing journeys.
These numbers change a little every time. Depending on the location, we may have more shared rooms, so less income. Depending on the group we may have more food sensitivities, so more grocery expenses. It generally falls within a couple hundred dollars of this, sometimes with a small profit, sometimes with a small deficit.
Expenses
Retreat center rental $1800
Food $400
Head facilitator (facilitation for retreat and pre-retreat workshop, all logistic prep) $1475
Second facilitator (facilitation for retreat and pre-retreat workshop) $1175
Extra facilitator fees — backup facilitator, calls with new participants, etc. $200
Post-retreat facilitator self-care fund $150
Staff admin time $250
Travel Industry Council of Ontario fees (mandatory) $450
Donation to local Indigenous communities $200
Bursaries and financial aid $400
Misc (firewood, “in case you forgot it” basket refills, unexpected expenses) $100
“Take home packs” for participants $50
Total: $6700
Revenue
Shared rooms, 4 spots at $795
Solo rooms, 4 spots at $895
Total: $6760