When nonprofits dream of new spaces, ShareBuilt offers the blueprint, and the bridge, to make it happen.
Founded in 2022 by Franklin resident, Steve Kuhn, ShareBuilt was created to solve a problem few people realized even existed: nonprofits often struggle to access professional support when building or renovating facilities. While many architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms are eager to help, there was no system in place to connect them with causes aligned with their values.
“I was stunned to learn there were no organizations anywhere in the country doing this,” Kuhn says. In response, he launched ShareBuilt with a simple but powerful mission: to bridge that gap by connecting nonprofits with AEC professionals willing to lend their expertise at no cost. Rather than operating as a contractor or design firm, ShareBuilt serves as a connector, turning goodwill into real-world impact.
A longtime leader in both his local church and professional circles, Kuhn saw firsthand how many companies were open to serving nonprofits, but in busy markets, these projects were often deprioritized in favor of commercial work. “I wanted nonprofits to have a fair shot at the best resources,” he says, “while giving firms the opportunity to be part of something meaningful.”
From the beginning, Franklin and Middle Tennessee played a key role in the organization’s growth. “Middle Tennessee was our launchpad, but the need is universal,” Kuhn says. Organizations like The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee helped provide essential funding to get projects off the ground. ShareBuilt’s model focuses heavily on storytelling, helping nonprofits communicate not just their construction needs, but the deeper impact their buildings will have on the community. “What’s important is that professional firms learn about projects early enough to make an impact,” he says.
Unlike traditional platforms that rely on donated labor, ShareBuilt invites firms to consider where their values and skills intersect with a nonprofit’s mission. “We are bound to find at least one firm in every needed area who really resonates with the cause and the project,” Kuhn says. “Once they’re aware of it, we hope they’ll say, ‘I'm going to be part of that!’”
One recent example is The Refuge Center for Counseling in Franklin. After breaking ground on a $12 million facility, the organization realized it lacked key construction experience to oversee the project. ShareBuilt stepped in, with Kuhn personally shepherding the project through the process. Another local partnership involves The Journey Home in Murfreesboro, a ministry serving the unhoused. ShareBuilt helped finalize design and budget details as the organization prepared to break ground on a new headquarters and resource center.
These aren’t just construction projects—they’re transformational.
Kuhn understands how demanding this work can be for already overextended nonprofit leaders. “They’re overloaded before a project even begins,” he says. “Even if they have experience, they rarely have the margin to oversee it properly.” To help, ShareBuilt deploys seasoned volunteers known as Project Shepherds, industry professionals who walk alongside nonprofit partners from concept to completion. And as a nonprofit itself, ShareBuilt does this at no cost to the nonprofit clients it serves. “It’s what they do every day in their business and what they know so very well that can best serve others,” Kuhn says.
Still, aligning scope, budget, and expectations remains a common challenge. Nonprofit leaders are often excited by early design concepts that may not match financial realities. “It’s essential to align the scope of work, images of the building, and the budget as early as possible,” he says. Even well-intentioned gifts like donated land can bring complications. “What seems like a gift can be a challenge if the property isn’t suitable for the desired project,” he added.
For those wondering how to get involved, Kuhn extends a heartfelt and personal invitation. “Let’s have a conversation,” he says. Whether you're a builder, designer, volunteer, or simply someone who wants to help fund the future of community spaces, ShareBuilt offers a meaningful way to make a difference. As a registered nonprofit, all donations to ShareBuilt are tax-deductible and directly support its mission: “To help us serve those who are serving to accomplish more projects with purpose.”
ShareBuilt.org
“I wanted nonprofits to have a fair shot at the best resources." -- Steve Kuhn