Program Evaluation & Strategic Planning for Small Nonprofits
Build Stronger Programs, Boards, and Organizations.
I help small nonprofits understand what's working, improve what isn't, and tell a compelling story with evidence.
Strategic Planning
Program Evaluation
Board Retreats
Plan Monitoring
Leadership Coaching
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!
I’m the director of education for a non-profit out of Washington DC and I think coaching, and specifically coaching around data, can be intimidating for many people. Having worked with Matthew in the past I knew that he had a true gift for really helping people assess where they are, clarify their needs for the short and long term, and to really coach people in a way that takes these complex nuanced topics and breaks them down into manageable chunks. That's what we needed and that's what we were looking for and he more than came through for us on that. 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.
Matthew is incredible. He is that wonderful combination of eminently qualified, deeply experienced, and also understanding of an audience. This allows him to approach and pick apart things that might otherwise not be accessible. It also allows you to trust his analysis and point of view. Matthew is a fantastic weapon against misinformation, fake news, and hyperbole. He is a trustworthy and friendly companion, capable of identifying underlying issues while inviting his listeners to be part of a larger solution. And he is approachable off stage, always willing to engage, learn, and further the overall conversation. He is a vital asset to any stage that he's on.
Nonprofits don't need more reports. They need better decisions.
"We have data, but we don't know what it's actually telling us."
"A funder wants an evaluation and we don't know where to start."
"We're making important decisions based mostly on instinct."
If you've ever said one of those things, you're not alone. I believe evaluation isn't about proving your organization is successful, it's about helping you learn.
Services
Ways to work together
Strategic Planning
A strategic plan shouldn't gather dust. Together we'll build one that helps your team make better decisions every month, not just every three years.
Program Evaluation
We'll collect the right evidence, make sense of what it means, and give you practical recommendations, not just another report.
Board Retreats
Boards make better decisions when everyone works from the same understanding of the organization's mission, vision, and values.
Plan Monitoring
Quarterly reviews that keep your strategic plan out of the drawer and actively shaping the decisions your organization makes all year long.
Leadership Coaching
Navigate your toughest leadership decisions with more clarity and confidence, with an experienced sounding board to think them through.
I've been where you are.
Before I ever became a consultant, I was leading a nonprofit.
I know what it feels like when everyone wants answers but there never seems to be enough time, enough data, or enough money.
I've worried about funding.
I've answered difficult board questions.
I've tried to balance mission with reality.
That's why I do this work today. Not because I love reports. Because I love helping organizations make better decisions.