About Us
Putting Community First
On a mission to impact the culture, quality of life and the vibrancy of our communities, Dakota Gather was founded with the mission of, “Putting Community First.” Started by a group of EPIC Companies’ team members and select community leaders Dakota Gather is a 501(c )(3) nonprofit that focuses on providing enrichment to all those that call the places we care about home.
Our Mission
We strengthen the connection between people and the places we gather.
Community Events
Dakota Gather is focused on coordinating events and activities that prioritize family and youth enrichment, the arts, recreation and community and cultural celebrations that enrich those in our communities.
Our Vision
Dakota Gather stives to be an organization that positively impact the overall quality of life, sense of belonging, and contributing to the vibrancy in the communities it serves.
Our Communities
+ Fargo
+ Minot
+ Grand Forks
+ Bismarck
+ Jamestown
Impact Areas
Family and Youth Enrichment
Impacting the lives of kids and families is paramount for Dakota Gather. Some of the ways we do this are: kids concerts and programming, education events, movie nights, healthy living events, and more.
The Arts
Adding to the quality of life in our communities starts with a vibrant arts community. The programs that Dakota Gather impacts are: public art, community theatre, live music, fine arts including engaging with artists for a platform to share and sell their art.
Recreation
Encouraging others to get together adds to the quality of life. Dakota Gather does this by providing winter and summer activities like ice skating, curling, yoga, and more.
Community and Cultural Celebrations
Gathering passionate people about community is key to Dakota Gather. We do this by providing farmers markets, makers markets, cultural experiences, and local community festivals.
The Wave
EPIC Charities & The Wave by EPIC Water Park Resort
"This Partnership ensures that community members of all ages—no matter the income level or abilities—can use the facility."
Community Partnership
EPIC Charities will partner with The Wave by EPIC Water Park Resort in 2025.
This Partnership ensures that community members of all age—no matter the income level or abilities—can use the facility. We plan to work with local schools on internship experiences and lifeguard opportunities. Safety is of the utmost importance and will never be compromised.
The Wave will not only enable health, recreation, and inclusivity, but it will also provide families with a magical experience… and our community with a powerful means to brand its cultural identity.
The Wave by EPIC Water Park Resort, ND’s largest indoor water park, is planned to be open in 2025. For more information about EPIC Charities & The Wave visit TheWavebyEPIC.com.
Official Documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EPIC Charities?
An independent 501(c)(3) organization founded by EPIC Companies in 2020.
Why did EPIC start a Charity?
In order for EPIC Companies to achieve its mission of “Enhancing communities through innovative development” leaders within EPIC found that starting a Non-profit organization led by a group of passionate community members is the best way to ensure quality public programing is held within plazas it helps develop.
Why was Dakota Gather denied a gaming license?
The ND Attorney General wants us to be active for two years before applying.
How does Dakota Gather serve the community?
Dakota Gather aspires to hold a wide array of programing. Some of the things it hopes to do is: Theatre, live music, promoting the arts, youth and family activities, farmers markets, outdoor recreation and other fun and engaging events.
Who works for Dakota Gather?
Kevin, the Executive Director reports to the board.
Matthew, the Art Coordinator who reports to Kevin.
Who is on the Board of Directors for Dakota Gather?
We are currently recruiting members for the board.
Where does Dakota Gather get its funding?
Grants, sponsorships, and donations.
Why did Dakota Gather change its name?
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What is the history of Dakota Gather?
In 2020, EPIC Companies employees and community leaders saw an opportunity to improve our communities by strategically bringing together amenities, spaces and activities for the public to enjoy. EPIC Charities, Inc., a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), was founded to serve the people of North Dakota. In December 2023, the organization changed its name to Dakota Gather because it more accurately embodies the mission to strength the connection between people and the places we gather.
Why did your organization change its name?
We saw a need to more effectively articulate and reflect the organization’s mission, vision, and core values. Since our founding in 2020, we have been in engaging in a process of analysis, research and feedback from our Board of Directors, donors and other stakeholders to evaluate how best to communicate the values and intentions that inspired our nonprofit’s founding.
What is the mission of Dakota Gather?
Enhancing our communities by strengthening the connection between people and the places we gather.
What is the vision of Dakota Gather?
Dakota Gather strives to be an organization that positively impact the overall quality of life, sense of belonging, and contributing to the vibrancy in the communities it serves.
What does Dakota Gather do?
Dakota Gather is focused on coordinating events and activities that prioritize family and youth enrichment, the arts, outdoor recreation and community and cultural celebrations that enrich those in our communities.
What is significant about the word “Gather” in your name?
Dakota Gather aims to be a catalyst in providing our citizens with more opportunities to gather, connect and heal. We will be inclusive, collaborative and provide important ways for people to engage with each other and experience the kinship that we all share as North Dakotans.
What needs does your organization meet?
The need for providing spaces and events for people to gather has never been more important. Human connection and fellowship are critical for the health and well-being of us as individuals and as a community. During and after COVID-19, many people suffer from isolation and loneliness. The United States Surgeon General has even recognized the pervasive and destructive impacts to people by isolation and loneliness in its 2023 Report entitled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” The healing that takes place by social connection and community is undisputed.