Fort Worth Botanic Garden
Photo: Fort Worth Magazine
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG) is the oldest major botanic garden in Texas, a 120-acre living museum where discovery, collaboration, and conservation converge to enrich the human experience.
With a 20-year master plan in place, FWBG’s first major project was the construction of the Family Garden—a dedicated space to connect children and families with the natural world through hands-on learning and exploration. This phase required fundraising 25 million dollars over an 18-month period.
Our perspective:
The M. Gale team knew that careful planning, coaching and campaign management would be critical to helping Fort Worth Botanic Garden bring the Family Garden to life while building donor confidence and securing transformational gifts.
How we solved the challenge:
M. Gale conducted a Feasibility Study to assess donor readiness, leadership capacity, and campaign potential.
We used data and stakeholder insights to guide a phased and strategic campaign approach.
The Garden secured early lead gifts and gradually expanded donor outreach through structured phases.
In collaboration with M. Gale, the Garden developed donor engagement tools, including launching the Giving Circle.
Our team provided ongoing coaching and support to leadership, campaign chairs, and staff to maintain momentum.
We delivered additional research and strategy adjustments as needed to keep the campaign on track.
Our client’s outcome:
With a clear, strategic roadmap, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden surpassed its fundraising goals, securing over 80% of project funding from private sources. In November, they celebrated the groundbreaking of the Baker Martin Family Garden, marking a significant achievement for the Garden’s expansion and the Fort Worth community.
“Our partnership with M. Gale on the Family Garden was invaluable. From conducting the feasibility study to coaching our team through a phased campaign, their professional guidance gave us confidence and positioned us for success. Thanks to their expertise, we not only reached but exceeded our campaign goals.”
