Gather surges past $8M to open New England's First Community Food Center
When a rare real estate opportunity emerged, Gather needed to move fast. Wright Collective compressed the campaign timeline, mobilized donors early, and built the momentum needed to surpass its $8M goal.
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CHALLENGES
WC INTERVENTION
RESULTS
Delayed Fundraising Readiness
Gather's donor base had strong affinity to give but needed a strong and urgent call to action. A traditional campaign approach would have likely annoyed funders seeking timely impact and not being "wined and dined". With a creative funder organizing approach, major donors quickly engaged in successful peer-to-peer fundraising events and activities with the guidance of WC.
Time-Sensitive Opportunity
A rare real estate opportunity gave Gather a narrow window to act. Without capital in place quickly, the property would be lost.
Accelerated Campaign Planning
Wright Collective ran a modified feasibility study in 60 days, cutting the typical timeline in half to unlock immediate action.
On Track to Exceed $8M
Gather's Capital Campaign raised $10.6M in 16 short months.
Secured Real Estate Future
Early donor engagement built the momentum needed to secure the property and lock in Gather's long-term home.
Rapid Strategy Implementation
A full campaign plan was built in 30 days while core donors were simultaneously engaged through a peer-to-peer fundraising approach, allowing fundraising and campaign execution to move forward without delay.
FOUNDER
A GROUP OF COMPASSIONATE WOMEN
Company Vision
Gather‘s mission is to offer innovative programs that build food security in welcoming and dignified ways.
FOUNDING YEAR
1826
Funds Raised
$10.6M - $9M in capital and a $1.6M endowment gift
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Testimonial
Gather worked with Alyssa at Wright Collective on an $8 million capital campaign. We hired her in late December 2024 and began the campaign in January. No one on the team had any experience with capital campaigns, and we had very little in terms of a structured approach to fundraising. Alyssa very quickly learned what she was up against and didn't even blink. By the end of March 2026, we had raised $10.6 million with her support. She kept us on track, gave us advice on how to approach certain donors, and let us loose to give tours and build relationships. Her advice was spot on and helped us overcome our hesitancy to make an ask. Given everything that was going on for us, including the renovations on an 18,000 square foot space with 2 commercial kitchens, a pantry market, a community gathering space, and more in less than 7 months, while raising the money, it's incredible that we did it. It was a lot. Alyssa's energy level, her encouragement, and her experience all came together to support us in just the right way to make it all possible - and then some!
Anne Hayes
Executive Director, Gather