Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land Welcomes New Hire

Washington, D.C. – The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land in America, an organization that progresses the 800-year mission and work of the Franciscans both in the United States and the Holy Land, today announced that Sam Hardwick will join the organization as the New Grants and Strategic Partnerships Manager.

In this role, Hardwick will be responsible for identifying and securing grants that are necessary to fund the Custody’s programmatic and operational priorities. Hardwick will work alongside the Development and Marketing Coordinator to solidify, expand and diversify the Custody’s donor base while cultivating impactful partnerships in order to further the organization’s mission and build mutually beneficial relationships across the United States.

Prior to joining the Franciscan Custody, Hardwick was selected to participate in a yearlong service program with the Franciscan Mission Service (FMS), functioning as the Development Associate for the organization. In this position, Hardwick learned the intricacies of fundraising within the structure of a mission-driven organization. From database management to taking part in various grant life cycles, FMS further cultivated his professional experience in the development arena.

“I formed a love for the spirituality of St. Francis and the virtue of simplicity during my time in the FMS volunteer intentional community,” said Sam Hardwick, New Grants and Strategic Partnerships Manager of the Franciscan Custody. “I am excited to combine that love with my passion for, and background in, economics to further the Custody’s mission to care for people in need and keep Christianity alive in the Holy Land.”

Hardwick holds a bachelor’s degree in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics from Providence College, and gained experience in his field through internships with Syllutions, Inc., The Commonwealth Medical College, TribalVision and The University of Maryland School of Medicine. Hardwick currently lives in the Brookland of Washington where he devotes much of his free time to family and local community organizations.

About the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land:
The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land in America is dedicated to supporting the mission of the Franciscan Friars in the Holy Land through pilgrimage, education, vocations and financial support. For 800 years, the Roman Catholic Church has entrusted the guardianship of the Holy Land and shrines of the Christian religion to the Franciscans. Since that time, the Franciscans’ mission in the Holy Land has grown to include schools, parishes, housing, employment assistance and additional services to assist the elderly, refugees, children and all those in need.