By Al Gustafson

Having experience both raising money and gifting money, I’ve always been drawn to spaces where faith and practical impact meet, and ISP embodies that intersection beautifully. Over the years, as I learned more about ISP’s mission—integrating spirituality, recovery, and community, offering hope, and changing lives—I felt compelled to deepen my involvement.

My relationship with the Ignatian Spirituality Project began with a simple act of gratitude, a gesture that would ultimately shape my family’s commitment to service. Over a decade ago, my spiritual director, Fr. Bill Creed, invited me to support ISP as a way of honoring the time he spent guiding me. At the time, I didn’t know much about the organization but trusting Bill and admiring his work, I made my first contribution, not realizing how this connection would grow into something deeply meaningful for me and my family.

My relationship with the Ignatian Spirituality Project began with a simple act of gratitude, a gesture that would ultimately shape my family’s commitment to service.

While I left a career in accounting early on, I have spent years working in philanthropy and non-profit management. My professional life is now split between ministry—offering spiritual direction and retreats—and helping lead the Swifty Foundation, a charity my wife and I started after our teenage son passed away of brain cancer in 2013. Having experience both raising money and gifting money, I’ve always been drawn to spaces where faith and practical impact meet, and ISP embodies that intersection beautifully. Over the years, as I learned more about ISP’s mission—integrating spirituality, recovery, and community, offering hope, and changing lives—I felt compelled to deepen my involvement.

My wife and I eventually made a multi-year commitment to ISP. For us, giving to ISP isn’t just another line item—it’s a reflection of our values. We believe in supporting organizations where our contributions make a tangible difference. ISP is a “smaller pond,” and we appreciate knowing our support has a real impact. It keeps the work going. We’re not just donors; we’re partners in a mission that matters. We help make the space possible for deep transformation.

What sets ISP apart is its unique blend of spirituality and recovery. My family has been touched by addiction—my father found sobriety at seventy, and the spirituality of AA has always resonated with me. ISP’s approach, rooted in Ignatian values, offers something I haven’t seen elsewhere: a space for reflection, community, and transformation. Even though I haven’t attended ISP retreats, I’ve seen the impact through alumni stories, galas, and updates. The emotional connection is strong, and the storytelling is powerful.

What sets ISP apart is its unique blend of spirituality and recovery. My family has been touched by addiction—my father found sobriety at seventy, and the spirituality of AA has always resonated with me. ISP’s approach, rooted in Ignatian values, offers something I haven’t seen elsewhere: a space for reflection, community, and transformation.

I value ISP’s leadership and commitment to accountability. Each year, I meet with Christine, the executive director, to review financials and discuss progress. That personal connection is important—it’s one of the benefits of supporting a smaller organization. I want to know our gift is used wisely, and I appreciate the transparency and vision ISP’s leaders bring.

Our family’s connection to ISP goes beyond financial support. Both of our children work in housing justice and community mental health, and I’ve volunteered with organizations addressing homelessness. These experiences reinforce our belief in ISP’s mission. Transformation is hard to measure, especially in spirituality, but we’ve witnessed firsthand how ISP’s work brings hope and healing to those who need it most.

If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to keep sharing these stories. Numbers matter, but it’s the personal journeys that are the heartbeat of ISP’s mission. I’m grateful to be part of this community and look forward to seeing how ISP continues to grow and serve those in need. We do what we can, as boldly as we can—and we trust God to do what we can’t.