Matthew Ackerman

Background

About Matthew Ackerman

I build what moves people — whether it’s a philanthropic investment in global social impact solutions or live event experiences that create pure magic. At Columbia Global, I lead fundraising strategies across international projects tackling the world’s most urgent challenges — from humanitarian relief to environmental resilience and arts & culture. I pitch and secure sponsorships from corporations, foundations, and individuals, build systems to support global fundraising across six continents, and lead campaigns that translate complex ideas into investment-ready narratives.As a three-year-old initiative at a 300 year-old University, Columbia Global is a five-part ecosystem with the global reach, expertise, and infrastructure to turn ideas into action. It includes:→ Columbia World Projects – social impact and leadership development→ Global Centers – 11 hubs on 6 continents supporting research and engagement→ Committee on Global Thought – cross-disciplinary degree program training students to analyze big global questions→ Institute for Ideas and Imagination – a Paris-based incubator for creatives→ Undergraduate Global Engagement – pathways for study, service, and global learningBefore Columbia, I built corporate and philanthropic partnerships at VH1 Save The Music Foundation, helping launch music programs in public schools nationwide — work that deepened my belief in mission-driven fundraising and the power of culture to create change.Outside of higher ed, I also work in live events with C3 Presents/Insomniac Events (subsidiaries of Live Nation) and The Kagency, bringing my expertise in guest experience and event operations to festivals and brand activations. Whether it’s fundraising or front-of-house, I believe the best work happens when people feel connected — to the mission, to the moment, to each other.Here’s what I bring to the table:→ Revenue generation through global campaigns, grants, and partnerships→ Fundraising leadership at the intersection of education, culture, and social impact→ Ability to turn data into narrative, and narrative into investment→ Cross-sector fluency — from universities to music festivals→ A passion for connecting people to purposeIf you’re building something that matters — a movement, a campaign, a brand — let’s talk.DM me | let’s connect.