Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS.

We’ve grouped these questions by who usually asks them. If you’re a nonprofit leader, a design or construction firm, or a donor, jump to your section. If you don’t see your question, call us.

Nonprofits Donors AEC FIRMS COMMUNITY

For Everyone: ShareBuilt at a Glance

What does ShareBuilt do?

ShareBuilt is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. When a nonprofit is planning to build or renovate, we pair its leaders with a Project Shepherd, an experienced architecture, engineering, or construction professional who volunteers to guide them through the project from early planning to move-in.

ShareBuilt doesn’t design or build anything. Our nonprofit partners hire their own architects, engineers, and contractors, and their Project Shepherd helps them do it well.

Who started ShareBuilt, and who leads it today?

ShareBuilt was founded in 2022 and is supported by seasoned architecture, engineering, and construction professionals who saw how often nonprofits struggled with building projects and knew they could help. Founder and Executive Director Steve Kuhn leads the organization alongside a board of experienced industry executives.


Meet our board.

Is ShareBuilt a faith-based organization?

ShareBuilt was founded on Christian principles. However, you don’t need to share that faith to work with us, whether you’re a nonprofit partner, an AEC firm, a Shepherd, or a donor.

Where does ShareBuilt work?

We serve nonprofits across the country. Currently, our Project Shepherds are working in Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Florida, Illinois, and Alabama, and we add new areas as more firms sponsor Project Shepherds.

For nonprofits

Plan your project

Nothing. Our donors cover the cost of our work, so there’s no fee for nonprofit partners. Some partners make a gift to ShareBuilt after their project is finished. We appreciate it, but we don’t require it.

Fill out the application, and someone from our team will call to talk through your project. Reach out as early as you can. We can help most before plans are drawn and budgets are set.

It’s a simple process! Start by filling out the online application. Once submitted, we will review your application and areas of expertise and be in touch to discuss how we can partner together.
During the conversation, it helps to have these on hand:
1)The project’s purpose and the outcome you expect
2)Your expected total budget and the amount raised so far
3)Materials, equipment, or services already committed, and those you still need
4)Proof of your nonprofit status

That’s true of most of the nonprofits we work with, and it’s exactly why Project Shepherds exist. Running a building project is rarely part of a nonprofit leader’s job. Your Project Shepherd has done this many times and can tell you what to expect at each stage.

A Project Shepherd works like an owner’s representative, but as a volunteer. They help you figure out what you need, find and compare architects and contractors, read through proposals and contracts, and keep an eye on schedule and budget. Your organization still makes the decisions.

No. Your organization hires and pays its own architects, engineers, and contractors, and signs its contracts directly with them. Any warranty comes from the firm that did the work.

No. We don’t fund projects or handle project money. Most of our partners already have funding, or a plan to raise it, when they come to us.

That’s fine. If you’ve already hired an architect or contractor, we can work alongside them. Note on your application who you’re working with and what they’re handling.

No. Size alone doesn’t decide whether we can help. If you’re not sure your project fits, call us.

We can’t promise a number, because every project is different. What we can do is help you avoid the mistakes that usually drive up costs, like unclear scope, missed bids, and late changes.

You sign an agreement with ShareBuilt. In it, you agree to have written contracts with both your architect and your contractor, to sign a media release, and to send us progress updates so we can share your story. Your contracts with those firms, including any cancellation terms, are between you and them.

Yes. Ask us, and we’ll send you a list of past nonprofit partners you can call.

Call 615-426-7081

For Architecture, Engineering & Construction Firms

Join the network

Through Sponsor a Project Shepherd. Your firm provides team members to serve as Project Shepherds, each guiding a nonprofit through its project. Some firms also make a financial gift. We’re grateful when they do, but it isn’t required.

Mostly time. How much depends on the project, and we’ll go over it with you before any of your people commit. We also train Project Shepherds on how nonprofits work, since boards and fundraising cycles shape decisions in ways commercial clients don’t.

Your team members get to use what they know for a church, school, or community group, and employees like working for a firm that makes that possible. It also shows clients and job candidates what your firm cares about.

No. Project Shepherds volunteer their time to guide a project, but the design and construction work is paid. Nonprofit partners hire and pay their architects, engineers, and contractors the same way any owner would.

Project Shepherds come from architecture, engineering, interior design, general contracting, the trades, and project and construction management. We can also use people with financial or legal experience.

Yes. We match people to projects where their experience is useful.

Fill out the application, and we’ll call to talk about where your team members could help.

Yes. Use the same application, and we’ll reach out to them.

Yes. We can put you in touch with past nonprofit partners and firms.

Call 615-426-7081

For donors

Give today

Our nonprofit partners never pay for our guidance. Generous supporters make that possible. Gifts cover our staff, Project Shepherd training, and the day-to-day work of matching Shepherds with nonprofits.

Not through ShareBuilt. We don’t accept gifts on behalf of our nonprofit partners. If you want to support a specific project, we can put you in touch with that organization.

Yes. ShareBuilt is a 501(c)(3) public charity, and gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

You can give online, but we prefer checks, mailed to:
ShareBuilt
510 Columbia Ave, PO Box #62
Franklin, TN 37064

Yes. Call us at 615-426-7081 to talk about it.

We don’t usually ask for them. Sometimes a current project needs a specific material, and in those cases we’re happy to accept it. Call us if you have something to offer.

We publish an Impact Report each year and update our numbers every quarter. It shows how many nonprofits we’ve served and the value of their projects.

Give: Support the work or call 615-426-7081.

For Volunteers, Advocates & Community

Become a shepherd

Yes, you don’t need a sponsoring firm. Apply and tell us about your experience.

We sometimes need help with office work, events, and outreach. Call us and tell us what you’re good at.

Fill out the application, and we’ll contact the organization.

Yes. Steve Kuhn, our founder and executive director, speaks at conferences, church events, and company gatherings. Call us at 615-426-7081 to learn more or to invite Steve to speak.

Sometimes. If a current project needs a material or piece of equipment you supply, we can connect you with that nonprofit. Call us at 615-426-7081.

Call 615-426-7081.

Connect: Still have a question? Call 615-426-7081.