Introduction
AboutMe
Bryan-Keyth Wilson is a dynamic multi-hyphenate in theatre, publishing, development, and marketing with over 20 years of leadership in the arts. As a fundraising strategist, he has successfully advanced development initiatives for emerging and established arts organizations, including campaign planning, donor stewardship, grant writing, and corporate partnerships. He believes in mission-aligned fundraising that cultivates authentic relationships and drives sustainable revenue growth.
A marketing expert, Wilson has led high-impact campaigns for Theatre Row (NYC), The Downtown Urban Arts Festival (NYC), Social Movement Contemporary Dance Theatre (Houston), Cabaret (Barrington Stage, starring Krysta Rodriguez), A New Brain (NYT Critics’ Pick), ENGLISH (2023 Pulitzer Prize winner), and Blues for an Alabama Sky (Boston Critics’ Pick).
As a playwright, educator, and cultural strategist, he explores themes of Black identity and resilience through performance. His acclaimed choreopoem For Colored Boyz on the verge of a nervous breakdown/ when freedom aint enff premiered at The Fulton Theatre in 2022, followed by a sold-out Off-Broadway run at Theatre Row
My Development Philosophy
"I believe development is about building authentic, mission-driven relationships that inspire community investment, elevate the transformative power of youth theatre, and create a sustainable foundation for HITS to thrive."
--Bryan-Keyth Wilson
Executive Summary My Vision for HITS Development/ Fundraising
Vision
As a passionate arts leader and fundraising professional, I bring over 20 years of experience in nonprofit theatre, marketing, and community engagement. My vision for HITS Theatre's development efforts is rooted in sustainability, accessibility, and storytelling. I aim to amplify the impact of youth theatre through intentional donor engagement, strategic partnerships, and innovative fundraising campaigns that reflect the heart of HITS: empowering young artists and enriching the Houston arts community.
Key Goals for HITS:
Build sustainable fundraising pipelines through individual giving and major gifts.
Strengthen donor stewardship and retention through personalized engagement strategies.
Increase corporate sponsorships and foundation support aligned with HITS’ mission.
Leverage storytelling and performance impact to drive fundraising campaigns.
Foster a culture of philanthropy across departments, students, and families.
30-60-90DayPlan
1st 30 Days
Conduct a full assessment of current fundraising programs, donor database, and community partnerships. Meet with HITS staff, board members, and key stakeholders to align development goals with organizational needs. Begin donor listening sessions and identify areas for immediate cultivation and re-engagement
60 Days
Launch targeted donor stewardship plan, including personalized communication and recognition strategies. Evaluate grant calendar and initiate application processes for aligned foundation funding Create marketing materials in collaboration with programming staff to highlight student impact and success stories.
90 Days
Present a comprehensive development strategy with KPIs to measure success and growth.
Develop an annual campaign and major donor prospect list.
Secure early commitments for event sponsorships and long-term partnerships.
Key Strategies for Development Success
Mission-Driven Storytelling
Utilize the power of student success stories and artistic impact to emotionally connect donors and prospects to HITS’ mission
Relationship-Centered Fundraising
Prioritize long-term donor cultivation and stewardship with personalized engagement across all giving levels.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration
Partner with programming, marketing, and education teams to align messaging and integrate fundraising into the HITS culture.
Diverse Revenue Streams
Expand beyond traditional giving through events, sponsorships, grants, and peer-to-peer campaigns that reflect HITS’ vibrant community.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Use analytics to track donor behavior, measure campaign effectiveness, and refine strategies for optimal impact and growth
Case Study
A Fundraising Success Story
TheChallenge
TheResults
TheStrategy
When we center purpose, listen to our community, and craft a bold strategy, even a struggling campaign can become a standing ovation for impact."
– Bryan-Keyth Wilson
Case Study: Reigniting Donor Engagement Post-Pandemic
How a Midsize Performing Arts Nonprofit Reconnected with Its Community and Increased Donor Participation by 32%
The Challenge
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a midsize performing arts nonprofit faced a troubling decline in donor engagement. Giving levels had plateaued, and attendance at fundraising events dropped significantly. The organization’s leadership recognized the urgency of rebuilding trust, rekindling excitement, and reaffirming its mission in the hearts of its supporters.
The Strategy
To address this challenge, I led the development and execution of a comprehensive donor re-engagement campaign centered on community connection, authentic storytelling, and immersive donor experiences. We launched a reimagined donor tier program offering creative incentives such as behind-the-scenes access, exclusive meet-and-greets with student performers, and curated invitations to rehearsals and workshops. In tandem, we introduced a monthly giving initiative designed to foster sustained support. A strategic partnership with the education department allowed us to co-host intimate events showcasing student growth and achievement offering donors a tangible, emotional connection to the impact of their contributions.
The Results
The campaign produced significant results in just six months. Donor participation increased by 32%, largely driven by the success of the monthly giving initiative. The new tier program attracted over 100 new recurring donors, who cited the personalized experiences and student interactions as major draws. Attendance at fundraising events grew by 45%, with co-hosted educational events seeing the highest levels of engagement. Most importantly, donor feedback highlighted a renewed emotional connection to the organization's mission, with many describing the student storytelling elements as “deeply moving” and “a reminder of why they give.” These results not only reversed the post-pandemic stagnation but also laid a strong foundation for future donor loyalty and sustainable growth.
Appeals
From seasonal campaigns to urgent-response giving, I have crafted compelling appeals that combine storytelling with urgency and donor-centered language. My appeals have consistently outperformed previous benchmarks, increasing donor engagement and acquisition By aligning messaging with mission impact and highlighting the personal journeys of artists and students, I’ve turned one-time givers into lifelong supporters.
Galas
TheBerkshireGala(BarringtonStageCompany)
I led the creative and logistical execution of the Berkshire Gala, one of Barrington Stage Company’s most anticipated fundraising events. This included managing donor relations, program development, and talent booking. My approach brought fresh energy to the event, increasing both attendance and donations year over year. By infusing the evening with meaningful artistic experiences, I ensured that donors left feeling connected to the company’s mission
To expand donor reach beyond Massachusetts, I organized the Barrington Stage Company NYC Gala an innovative satellite fundraiser that brought BSC to the heart of the theatre capital. I coordinated venue logistics, managed Broadway talent, and created an immersive experience that captured BSC’s essence for a New York audience. The event, which featured Broadway stars such as Norm Lewis, Telly Leung, Salome B Smith, and Christiane Noll, not only exceeded fundraising goals but also forged new relationships with major donors and industry champions
