WaterStone’s journey began in 1975, rooted in a deep commitment to faithful stewardship and generosity. At the heart of our story is a moment of profound trust in God’s calling when Douglas Kiesewetter Sr. made the bold decision to step away from a successful legal career and dedicate his life to creating an organization that would empower individuals to steward their resources for God’s glory.
Five years into their consulting practice, Douglas Kiesewetter Sr. and his son established what would become WaterStone in 1980, initially known as the Christian Community Foundation (CCF). With a vision centered on advancing the Kingdom, they created the foundation to serve the unique charitable purposes of their clients. Leveraging his expertise in tax law and financial planning, Douglas Sr. pioneered Christ-centered strategies that empowered individuals to steward their God-given resources in ways that would leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
WaterStone quickly became a trusted partner to major Christian organizations like Campus Crusade, Young Life, Wycliffe Bible Translators, and the Navigators. These early partnerships were instrumental in developing innovative giving solutions, such as the Donor Advised Fund, which has since been widely embraced both within the Christian community and beyond. From the very beginning, our work has focused on equipping others to unlock generosity and steward the resources God has entrusted to them.
In 1986, after the sudden passing of his father, Douglas Kiesewetter Jr. stepped into the leadership of the organization, continuing the mission they had built together. Drawing from the legacy of trust, faith, and stewardship that his father instilled, Douglas Jr. carried forward the vision, ensuring that WaterStone remained rooted in its founding principles. Under his guidance, the organization has continued to grow and serve as a faithful steward of God’s resources, empowering others to do the same.
Over the decades, WaterStone has facilitated billions in charitable gifts, supporting ministries and organizations that align with our core values. Every organization we partner with is carefully vetted to ensure they share our commitment to advancing God’s Kingdom, allowing us to confidently steward the resources entrusted to us.
Today, under the leadership of CEO Ken Harrison, WaterStone offers a range of innovative giving solutions, including Donor Advised Funds and Charitable Trusts, designed to help families and individuals maximize the impact of their giving in tax-efficient ways. While we continue to lead with innovative strategies, our mission remains unchanged: to glorify God by helping our community steward what He has provided.
For over 40 years, WaterStone has been a trusted name in Christian philanthropy, and we are dedicated to walking alongside donors and financial advisors alike. Whether you are looking to make a lasting impact or help your clients achieve their charitable goals, our expertise and commitment to excellence are here to serve you.
We invite you to be part of this mission as we build a future where God’s resources transform lives and advance His Kingdom. Together, we can continue a story marked by faithful submission to God’s call, using the resources He has entrusted to us for His glory.
