AFP Member Spotlight: Rian Graham

AFP member spotlights are a recurring series of interviews with AFP members, highlighting the unique individuals and career paths that exist within the fundraising profession. If you would like to see yourself or a colleague featured, submit your profile here. 

In this member spotlight we interviewed Rian Graham, director of advancement at HITs Theatre. A passion for the arts and belief in theater’s transformative power inspired her to go from volunteer to professional fundraiser. She shared with us how by honoring the organization’s legacy, rebuilding trust among staff, and fostering collaboration, she is working to restore a 45-year-old youth theatre organization. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships, practicing gratitude, and supporting others as the true heart of philanthropy.

Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there?
A: My passion for the arts and belief in the transformative power of theater led me to volunteer with local nonprofits dedicated to the arts and community development. I knew firsthand the impact of these programs, having grown up in an underserved area where there was talent but not enough funds to support those that didn't have the means. As a volunteer helping with event coordination and donor engagement, I saw the critical role that fundraising plays in providing opportunities and sustaining artistic initiatives.

Making the leap from a volunteer fundraiser to a professional fundraiser was a natural progression for me. I loved the connection between people and the causes they care about. I realized how much I enjoyed helping to create those moments of connection and how rewarding it was to see the impact of fundraising on the mission of an organization. It wasn’t just about raising money—it was about building relationships and a shared sense of purpose.

When the opportunity arose to transition to a professional role, I felt ready because I had already experienced the personal fulfillment, and the challenges involved. It was a matter of applying the same passion and energy I had as a volunteer to a more structured, career-oriented environment, where I could continue to expand my skills, take on more responsibility, and have a greater impact on the organization.

Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member?
A: I just recently became a member after relocating to Houston a month ago. I received a new position at HITS theatre and negotiated my contract to include professional development opportunities as I am always seeking knowledge and supportive environments.

Fundraising is an evolving field, and learning from others is incredibly valuable. The skills and experience you need to succeed as a professional fundraiser will come over time, and every experience—whether as a volunteer or in your professional role—adds to your growth. 

Nothing is a failure, you either learn or get better!

Q: How has being an AFP member benefited you in your career?
A: I am new to AFP, but I do like reading the discussions happening on AFP Connect, AFP’s online discussion forum. It’s a really good community that responds and provides valuable insights to real questions and concerns. I have found myself jotting down and downloading multiple recommendations from this space alone.

Q: Are you doing anything innovative at your organization (or a past organization) that you think other fundraisers could benefit from?
A: In my current role, I am restoring a 45-year-old theatre organization for kids K-12th. One of the core strategies I've employed is reconnecting with the organization’s roots—specifically, diving deep into the history of the founder, Mrs. Carolyn Franklyn. As I often describe it, the process feels like returning home after a long time away, reconnecting with what made the theater successful in the first place. Mrs. Franklyn’s mission was about creating a space for artistic expression, community, and culture, and I believe it’s vital to honor her vision as we move forward. Understanding and sharing her story has helped not only to remind staff of the legacy we are working to preserve, but also to inspire the next generation to continue that work. We are considering a special tribute to Mrs. Franklyn, something that commemorates her contributions to the arts community, as a way of honoring her and reinforcing her foundational role in this theater’s story. 

One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced, however, is managing the tension between new staff and long-time employees. When you introduce new people to an established organization, especially one that has a strong history and a long-standing culture, change can be uncomfortable. Many of the veteran staff are used to the way things have always been, and some may not fully believe that growth and innovation are necessary, or that they can happen without sacrificing the organization's history.

To address these challenges, I’ve taken a two-pronged approach: 

1.  Building Trust: The biggest thing I’ve focused on is restoring trust. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to both new and old staff members. Everyone’s voice is important, and they need to feel that their concerns and experiences are heard. That builds the foundation for meaningful collaboration. Once trust is established, it becomes easier to implement new strategies without facing as much resistance. This has involved a lot of open communication, sharing of our collective goals, and emphasizing that change doesn’t mean abandoning the theater’s roots—it means honoring them while adapting to the future. 

2.  Finding Common Ground Through the Organization’s Legacy: In terms of aligning staff—both new and old—I focus on reminding everyone of our shared mission and the impact we want to make on the community. I’ve found that understanding the history and core mission of the organization has a grounding effect on everyone. By bringing people back to the story of Mrs. Carolyn Franklyn, the founder, they realize that the heart of the organization isn’t changing—it’s evolving in ways that honor her vision and legacy. 

One of the keys to making this work is creating a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. This doesn’t just mean involving people in decision-making—it means empowering everyone to have a stake in the theater’s success. When people feel they’re part of the solution, they’re more likely to embrace change, even if it’s initially uncomfortable.

Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?
A: Prosper- This word tells me that no matter what, if you always choose to get better and do your best then you will succeed.

Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Being resilient, being the first in my family to accomplish a lot of merits and being an achiever where I leave people better than where I find them always.

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?
A: Building relationships and sustaining them. I believe public and community support is one of the most valuable characteristics of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, especially in prodigy K-12 theatre education. You must not put everyone in the same box, and you must know how to adjust to specific donor interests and find out more about them, what they care for, what programs they may support. 

Gratitude is also the biggest thing; find out how they would like to be thanked. This is important.

Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals? 
A: Be willing to support others. By always being willing to support others you keep your mentality in a servant spirit which allows you to not become inflated with ego. When you are bringing funds in, receiving grants, making changes, it is very easy for you to be happy with these results, however, keeping your focus on the idea of being willing to support others is truly what philanthropy is. Giving and doing for others is the gift from which you most always receive the best return. It makes you feel good, it keeps you inspired, and it helps others and ultimately, I believe that is the main reason for our existence. Your gift should serve the world in some way to make it better.