Fund Development in a Values-Driven Culture
Laura Randall
July 2024

A year ago, I was introduced to Hostage US as an opportunity to serve as development director. Having nearly 20 years’ experience as a professional fundraiser, I was well qualified for the role, and I was excited by the mission. But nothing prepared me for how deeply invested I would be in the work that we carry out and the values that we uphold as an organization.

I was initially drawn to the mission of Hostage US because of my own experience as an expatriate. I can recall the vulnerability I felt while living abroad with very young children, navigating the complexities of living outside of my home country.

As an organization, Hostage US has developed a deeply rooted culture of always putting the “family first,” and that priority has resonated with both my personal and my professional experience and ethics.  I can evaluate every program, process, or policy against our core value of putting the family first, and if it does not align, I know that it isn’t right for us. This value holds through from our programs to our resources, and from our operations to our fundraising. It is deeply rooted in all that we do.

Amidst the tumult of any major crisis, including high profile hostage events, we are reminded of Sir Winston Churchill’s timeless wisdom from the Malta Conference of 1945: “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” These words, now a mantra for resilience in challenging times, resonates deeply with nonprofit fundraising, and challenges us to act as our best selves in the face of a crisis. It calls us to strike a delicate balance of the urgency for funding to address needs and integrity in fundraising efforts.

At the heart of our fundraising program is a recognition of the broader context of crisis and conflict. Beyond the immediate aftermath of a certain hostage taking event or a hostage release, countless other families we serve were endure traumas on different timelines, grappling with the anguish of loved ones wrongfully detained in countries across the globe.

We seek to honor the dignity and resilience of these families, acknowledging their struggles with empathy and solidarity. We prioritize transparency, empathy, and respect in our approach to fundraising as we do with our programs, resources or activities. This is not about optics or timing but is rooted in a deep commitment to ethical fundraising practices and respect for those affected.

We pride ourselves on our strong reputation that hinges on fairness, honesty, and accountability, core values leading our stewardship of funds. We uphold our commitment to responsible stewardship of donor funds and the highest standards of integrity by aligning our actions with our values.

In an era marked by skepticism and scrutiny of charitable organizations, demonstrating integrity and prudent leadership is essential for building and maintaining donor trust. By placing principles above expediency of fundraising on the back end of a hostage taking, we reaffirm our dedication to our mission and values, fostering stronger connections with our supporters and stakeholders. We recognize the opportunity to increase public awareness and empathy, and in that context, we focus responsible communication through which we highlight the work we do for all Americans, without discussing individual situations.

We remain politically neutral and nonpartisan, prioritizing long-term relationships with board members, donors, and partners, and respecting current beneficiaries, particularly families with loved ones who remain in captivity. We address stakeholder concerns with transparency and stay focused on our mission, looking for ways to serve and respond to families’ needs effectively.

The Hostage US fundraising efforts reflect our deep commitment to respect for those affected by crisis and conflict and the horrors of wrongful detention. By embracing integrity, empathy, and responsibility, we not only navigate the complexities of fundraising in times of turmoil but also strengthen our relationships with stakeholders. In doing so, we exemplify Churchill’s timeless admonition to never let a good crisis go to waste, seizing the opportunity to demonstrate leadership with integrity and compassion.