For decades, Gaining Ground has been woven into the lives of Joe Rigali and Tracy Winn. Their deep connection to the farm, its mission, and its community made it only natural to ensure that their commitment continues beyond their lifetime. By including Gaining Ground in their estate plans, they are planting seeds for the future—ensuring that fresh, sustainably grown, nourishing food will keep reaching those who need it most for years to come.

“We’re in our 70s and fortunate to be in a position to even do estate planning,” Joe says. “Beyond taking care of our daughter, we want some of our assets to go to the organizations and causes we care deeply about. Gaining Ground is one of the key ones.”

Not only is the couple including Gaining Ground in their estate plans, but they are helping to start a new chapter for Gaining Ground’s financial future: a planned giving program. 

​​Unlike traditional donations made from current income, planned gifts are typically arranged in the present but allocated to organizations at a future date, often after the donor’s lifetime, through their will or trust.

“We are deeply grateful to Joe and Tracy for their enduring commitment to Gaining Ground’s mission. Their decision to include the farm in their estate plans is a powerful vote of trust—not just in our work today, but in the future we are building together,” said Jennifer Johnson, Gaining Ground’s Executive Director.

Planned giving is particularly important for small nonprofits like Gaining Ground, as it provides stable, predictable funding and strengthens the organization’s long-term vision and credibility. It can help to attract more support and diversify funding sources. It also allows donors like Joe and Tracy to leave a lasting legacy, ensuring that their values and the causes they care about continue to be supported.

“Planned giving is not an easy thing for a small, social services organization. It takes a lot of work, and a lot of follow-up over many years. We’re hoping that this will provide the impetus for other people to consider a legacy for the organization,” Joe says.  

Gaining Ground has long been a family affair for Joe and Tracy, with Tracy first learning about the farm, which was just a garden at the time, from Gaining Ground’s first board member, Annette Dykema. Tracy and Joe would later both serve and lead the board, and their daughter worked for Gaining Ground for a time. Over the years, the family has had a hand in helping Gaining Ground grow, working on everything from building the barn to communication outreach, and now helping to ensure its future.

“One of the reasons I’m excited to continue our relationship in this way with Gaining Ground is I see the organization as a full circle of goodness. You put seeds in the ground, and your hands in to pull weeds, and beautiful vegetables grow for people who need them.”

If you’re considering a planned gift, it’s wise to first consult with a financial advisor, estate planning attorney, or tax professional to determine the best approach for your individual circumstances. To learn whether Gaining Ground’s planned giving could be right for you, contact Jennifer Johnson at jennifer@gainingground.org or 978-610-6086.