The Stories Behind the Numbers: How Stewardship Fuels Sustainable Change

by Kian Schuemann, REI Finance Assistant

The plaque on my office door reads Finance Assistant, so it probably comes as no surprise that many of my days revolve around numbers: numbers on spreadsheets, numbers being reconciled, numbers being deposited and numbers being carefully reviewed.

But there is much more behind those numbers than most people realize.

As part of my role, I also have the privilege of serving in donor relations, connecting with the people whose generosity makes REI’s work possible. And over time, I have appreciated the significant meaning I’m a part of.

Numbers are never just numbers. They represent trust, relationships and a shared commitment to seeing lives transformed.

Kian showing off some REI merchandise

More Than Customer Service — Building Relationships

One of my responsibilities in donor relations is answering the phone at REI headquarters. In my first few months here, I was continually surprised by the conversations I had with donors. Their kindness and generosity brought tears to my eyes. Their genuine desire to make a difference often left me pausing after I hung up the phone and thought, what a breath of fresh air.

Before joining REI, I worked as a manager for an upscale kitchenware store. In that role, I often answered calls from customers who wanted to speak with a manager. Standing among shelves surrounded by shiny, beautiful gadgets with every imaginable culinary bell and whistle, I would sometimes find myself fighting back tears because people can become surprisingly enraged when the wrong color kitchen gadget is shipped to them.

The juxtaposition of these different types of phone calls revealed the kind of work I am now privileged to do.

At REI, the conversations I have are not simply about transactions. They are about people investing in a vision – a vision of communities strengthened, leaders equipped and nations transformed.

Finance and Relationships: A Natural Partnership

When I first started at REI, I viewed my responsibilities in finance and donor relations as two separate roles that happened to come together out of necessity because REI is a smaller organization. But the longer I am here, the more I see how finance and donor relations really a perfect pairing.

Finance is about more than tracking resources. It is about stewardship.

Every gift entrusted to REI represents someone’s belief in our mission. Every donation reflects a decision to invest in people, partnerships and lasting change.

Kian (back row, center right) with some of the REI staff at a recruiting conference

Stewarding Every Gift – No Matter the Size

A conversation I had several years ago continues to remind me how REI aims to steward every single dollar with transparency, integrity and care.

A young college student called because he wanted to support a friend who was joining REI’s staff. He began by explaining that he wholeheartedly believed in what REI was doing and wanted to be part of it.

Then he hesitantly asked if REI had a minimum donation amount.

He apologized profusely as he confessed that he wished he could give more, but he was on a very tight budget. He wanted to set up a recurring donation of just $3 twice a month. He told me he occasionally treated himself to a sandwich at the campus coffee shop and wanted to redirect that money toward supporting his friend and REI’s work instead.

I was deeply moved. What an honor to be entrusted to manage his generous gift as well. His gift represented sacrifice. It represented trust. It represented someone saying, I want to be part of this.

The Numbers Behind the Mission

Because I work closely with both REI’s finances and our donors, I have a unique perspective on what those numbers represent. The figures I enter into spreadsheets are not simply numbers, they are symbols of the trust donors have placed in REI. They are reminders of people who believe in REI’s mission.

They represent individuals who care about impacting communities around the world. They represent professionals who volunteer their skills. They represent partners who invite REI into their countries and institutions because they believe collaboration creates sustainable change.

And we know that behind all the numbers we budget, reconcile and audit is a story that signifies trust and cherished relationships.

Kian with the Finance Team: Janet Smidt (Donor Relations) and Jay Smidt (VP Administration)

Building People to Build Nations

At REI, we know that lasting change happens through relationships: through trust built over time, through local leaders being equipped and through communities gaining the skills and confidence to create their own future.

Our donors are an essential part of that story.

We know REI’s donors care deeply not only for the staff member or project they support but also for REI’s vision of creating positive lasting change in emerging nations. Their generosity creates the foundation that allows REI staff, volunteers and partners around the world to continue building people to build nations.

I am grateful to be part of the team entrusted with caring for those gifts. Because every number has a story.