Matthew Wagner
Owner/Operator
Matthew Wagner believes that thriving communities are built by strong, mission-driven organizations—and that every community-based organization has untapped potential to create lasting change.
With over a decade of experience in community development and organizational strategy, Matthew helps growth-oriented organizations break through capacity barriers and maximize their impact. As the owner of Wagner Consulting, he partners with organizations to strengthen their systems, clarify their messaging, and build sustainable revenue models that allow them to become indispensable partners in their communities.
Matt’s approach is rooted in a simple conviction: when 501©3 organizations operate as a mission oriented business and have the right infrastructure, strategy, and support, they don't just survive—they thrive….and when they thrive, communities are transformed. He's guided organizations through strategic planning, program expansion, and operational strengthening, consistently helping them achieve measurable growth and deeper community impact.
Previously, as Executive Director of Family Promise of Harrisburg Capital Region, Matt led the organization through its first strategic plan, expanded services that helped over 1,000 individuals remain stably housed, and doubled the organization's budget through strategic cost-savings and strengthened fundraising systems.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and the Arts with a focus on Leadership and Social Influence and is a graduate of multiple leadership programs. His expertise spans fund development, strategic planning, program evaluation, and cross-sector partnerships—making him a trusted advisor to organizations ready to scale their mission and strengthen their foundation.
Our Collaborative Journey: From Vision to Impact
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our process is designed to honor your expertise, respect your mission, and maximize your community impact. Here is how we move forward together:
What We Do Together
1. Listen & Learn * Connection
We start by centering your mission. We listen to your stories and learn the nuances of the community you serve to ensure our partnership is rooted in trust.
2. Evaluate & Analyze * Insight
We take a step back to look at the big picture. By analyzing the landscape and your unique challenges, we identify the most effective levers for growth.
3. The Game Plan * Strategy
We translate insights into a customized roadmap. This clear, actionable strategy prioritizes your goals while respecting your team’s capacity and resources.
4. Putting it to Work * Action
We roll up our sleeves. We help you implement the plan, staying agile and supportive to ensure the strategy results in real, sustainable change.
About Our Process
Mission-First: We align every analytical insight with your core values.
Sustainable Growth: We focus on building your internal capacity, not just finishing a project.
Adaptive Partnership: In the non-profit world, things change. Our implementation stays flexible to meet the real-time needs of your stakeholders.
"Our goal is simple: to ensure that by the time we reach the implementation phase, your organization is stronger, more focused, and ready to scale its impact."