Below are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about our organization and how we help support Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If you don’t find your question answered below, please contact us.
Friends of the Smokies FAQs
- What is the difference between Friends of the Smokies (FOTS) and Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA)?
- FOTS and GSMA are both 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The primary difference between our sister organizations are the ways we raise money. FOTS primarily raises money through memberships, special event fundraisers, and general donations (including park donation boxes). GSMA primarily raises money through sales at their visitor center stores in and around the park and their membership program. Both organizations help fund critical park programs and we often work together on major projects.
- Once I’m on your email list, how many emails can I expect to receive?
- We will send e-newsletters called “News From the Mountains” every other month. We also send periodic emails for special fundraisers, events, and opportunities. Click here to sign-up for our email list and choose which emails you want to receive.
- How do I unsubscribe from your email list?
- Please click the “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any Friends of the Smokies email.
- How can I contact Friends of the Smokies?
- You can reach our Tennessee office by phone at 865-932-4794 or 800-845-5665. Our mailing address is PO Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764 and the street address is 3099 Winfield Dunn Parkway, Suite 2, Kodak, TN 37764.
- You can reach our North Carolina office by phone at 828-452-0720. Our mailing address is PO Box 3179, Asheville, NC 28802.
- To reach us by email, complete our contact form here.
Donation FAQs
- I am having trouble making a donation online.
- Please call 800-845-5665 and we will be happy to assist you or take payment over the phone. You can also mail a check to PO Box 1660, Kodak, TN 37764
- What does my money go to?
- Your donation supports a variety of critical park projects on the Park Support List. You can also choose to donate to Trails Forever or Forever Places.
- How does Friends of the Smokies determine which projects to fund?
- The Park Support List is submitted each year to our Board of Directors by national park management staff. Our board then votes to approve the list and funds are disbursed to the park throughout the year. Projects are chosen by national park management staff based on a number of criteria including availability of park personnel, available grants and funding sources, and project priority.
- Is my donation tax deductible?
- Memberships, monetary donations, and in-kind donations are fully tax deductible. Tax-deductible portions of tickets for special events can vary by event. Purchases of specialty license plates are tax deductible at $30.75 in Tennessee and $20.00 in North Carolina per plate. Always consult your tax adviser to be sure.
Membership FAQs
- How can I get a replacement membership card?
- Please send an email to info@friendsofthesmokies.org with “Replacement membership card” in the subject line.
- What are the membership benefits?
- Becoming a Friend of the Smokies has many great benefits including lodging, dining, and attractions discounts, access to our print newsletter “ShaConage” twice annually, and much more. Check out the full list of membership benefits and our participating partners here.
- I recently purchased a Friends of the Smokies specialty license plate. Where can I claim my complimentary one-year membership?
- Submit the form at the bottom of this page to claim your complimentary one-year membership. If you received a postcard with your NC specialty plate, fill in your details and mail it back to us.
Park Information and Wildlife FAQs
- Where can I see wildlife in the Smokies?
- Wildlife can be found in all parts of the park, over 522,000 acres, so it depends on what animals you’re looking for. One of the best areas for spotting black bears, deer, and migratory birds is Cades Cove. Elk can be found in Cataloochee Valley and Oconaluftee Valley near the visitor center. The best times of day to see wildlife are usually early morning and late evening when it’s not too hot or sunny.
- How can I contact Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
- For general park information, including road and facility closures, please call 865-436-1200. You can find more information about the Smokies online at nps.gov/grsm.