Every day brings a new challenge—from shifting policies to unexpected crises—and as a nonprofit leader, you're juggling it all while keeping your mission front and center.
Tracking what’s working, proving your impact, and planning for continuous improvement can feel overwhelming when you're also managing the day-to-day.
That’s where I come in. I help nonprofit leaders uncover the true power of their programs and create a clear path toward lasting, sustainable improvement.
Program evaluation and improvement planning are essential tools for nonprofit organizations that want to thrive—not just survive. A strong evaluation strategy helps you clearly demonstrate the impact of your work, which is critical for winning grants and earning the trust of funders who want to see measurable results. It also gives you the insight needed to refine your programs, respond to challenges, and grow your impact over time. When you commit to continuous improvement, you’re not just meeting today’s goals—you’re building a sustainable future and leaving a lasting legacy for the communities you serve.
You’re leading a small nonprofit with big goals—and you're ready to move from surviving to thriving. If you're committed to growth, improvement, and long-term impact, you're in the right place.
You want to understand what’s working so you can do more of it—and improve what isn’t.
You’re on a growth path and need systems that scale with your mission.
You care about making a lasting difference in your community, not just checking boxes.
Let’s talk about how I can support your mission—request a callback today.
We engaged Matthew in the review and development of a curriculum supporting linkages between research and practice. Matthew's knowledge and experiences working with a range of educators on issues related to evidence use was invaluable to helping our team think critically about and improve our program. He was a wonderful collaborator and thought partner - we can't wait to work with him again!
Elizabeth Farley-Ripple
Center for Research Use in Education, University of Delaware
I’m the director of education for a non-profit out of Washington DC and honestly, without reservation, I would recommend anyone to work with Matthew. Our experience was really fruitful. Every day I see the work that we did with Matthew show up in things. Our team running a little more efficiently in our processes being a little more hammered out in a way that is really helps with not only clarity but efficiency.
Bridget Hachfeld
Alliance to Save Energy
Working with Matthew on my project was an absolute revelation. I was grappling with a vast amount of information, unsure of how to distill it into something meaningful and actionable. Matthew's expertise in knowledge brokering helped me not only understand but truly appreciate the power of research. His insightful guidance enabled me to navigate the project effectively, and the end result was far more impactful than I could have ever achieved
Carrie Rogers
Communication's Specialist
Clarity & Insight
Get a clear picture of what’s working—and what needs to change—so you can lead with confidence.
Stronger Programs
Use evaluation findings to refine your efforts and create greater, more sustainable impact.
Credibility & Trust
Show funders and stakeholders that your organization delivers results worth investing in.
As a former small nonprofit founder and leader, I know how hard it is to find expert support that fits your budget. That’s why I’m committed to making high-quality program evaluation and improvement planning accessible to growing organizations. While every contract is tailored to your unique needs, most projects fall within the $3,500–$7,000 range, depending on the scope and complexity of your programs.
A typical package includes:
A comprehensive program evaluation using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods tailored to your goals
A branded, easy-to-understand report designed to share with funders, board members, and your community
Actionable improvement plans or system designs to help you keep growing and getting better
You deserve support that matches your passion and amplifies your impact—without breaking your budget.
Let’s chat about what’s possible—request a callback today.
Hi, I’m Dr. Matthew B. Courtney—your partner in mission-driven evaluation and improvement. I began my career as an educator, then stepped into nonprofit leadership, where I founded my own organization, led three more as executive director, and served in board roles including Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. Those experiences shaped my understanding of how mission-driven organizations grow, adapt, and thrive.
Along the way, I discovered a passion for helping nonprofits turn vision into measurable results. I’ve led program evaluations that influenced million-dollar funding decisions, facilitated strategic plans that brought diverse teams into alignment, and developed tools and training that help leaders use data for real-time decision-making.
Today, as a nationally recognized expert in program evaluation and continuous improvement, I bring this combined experience in education and nonprofit leadership to organizations across the country. From grassroots initiatives to state-level policy-making, I help mission-driven teams strengthen programs, communicate impact with confidence, and build systems that last.
Let’s work together to connect your mission to measurable, lasting change.
I work with small to mid-sized nonprofits across sectors—whether you're focused on education, health, the arts, or community development. If you’re committed to continuous improvement and ready to grow your impact, we’re a great fit.
Most projects take 6–10 weeks from start to finish, depending on the scope, your team’s availability, and data accessibility. I’ll work with you to create a timeline that respects your capacity and meets your needs.
Typical projects include an evaluation plan, qualitative and/or quantitative data collection and analysis, a branded final report, and practical recommendations for improvement. You'll walk away with tools you can use right away—and that funders love to see.
Yes! Many nonprofits come to me without strong data systems in place. I’ll help you collect the information you need, using methods that are realistic and appropriate for your size and staff capacity.
Absolutely. I offer follow-up coaching, implementation support, and re-engagement packages to help you continue your improvement journey over time.
I’ve been in your shoes. I offer flexible pricing within the $3,500–$7,000 range and will work with you to tailor a project that fits your needs and budget. The goal is to make meaningful evaluation accessible—not out of reach.
Yes! Your final report will be branded, visually polished, and written with funders and stakeholders in mind. Many of my clients use it to secure new funding, build trust with partners, and demonstrate transparency and accountability.
Ready to take the next step toward meaningful growth and lasting change? Request a callback today and let’s build something that lasts.