Matthew L. Evans is the Senior Director of Public Policy for United Philanthropy Forum (the Forum). The Forum is the largest, most diverse network in American philanthropy. Matthew brings to the Forum over 15 years of public policy and government relations experience and has been instrumental in the Forum’s expansion of its public policy work. Specifically, Matthew has led the push toward incorporating the idea of philanthropy using its collective voice and influence to address issues that impact communities and promote systems change via active engagement in the advocacy and public policy process.
Prior to joining the Forum, Matthew was Director of Public Policy & Special Projects for the Southeastern Council of Foundations (now Philanthropy Southeast), where he worked to ensure the legislative and regulatory success of the philanthropic sector in the South.
Before he began leading advocacy efforts on behalf of the philanthropic sector, most of Matthew’s professional career was shaped in Washington, D.C., having held multiple positions that gave him direct experience in working with elected officials, corporations, and associations, leading advocacy efforts for several national organizations.
Throughout his time in philanthropy, Matthew has served on the public policy committees of the Forum, Independent Sector and the Council on Foundations. Currently, he serves as the Vice Chair of the Nonprofit VOTE Board of Directors and is a member of the organization’s National Leadership Council. He is also a member of FCCP’s Funders Census Initiative Leadership Team. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Tennessee State University, an HBCU, in Nashville, Tennessee.
