Meet Matt

Matt Cotty, CFRE

Matt Cotty is a nationally recognized leader in fund management, donor compliance, and advancement operations, known for transforming complex financial, legal, and governance requirements into clear, mission-driven strategies that strengthen institutions and safeguard donor intent.

He currently serves as Director of Fund Accounting, Administration, and Compliance at the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA), where he oversees a portfolio of more than 9,000 donor-restricted funds supporting the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In this role, Matt leads a unified team that integrates fund accounting, fund administration, compliance, and operational policy—driving accuracy, transparency, and strategic stewardship across a $5B+ endowment.

A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Matt is a subject-matter expert in UPMIFA, endowment governance, scholarships, fund operations, and cross-functional advancement–finance partnerships. He is highly sought after for his ability to operationalize policy, build sustainable infrastructure, and design team structures that enhance both compliance and donor experience.

Matt has presented multiple sessions at ADRP International Conferences, including “Beyond the Gift: Mastering Gift Agreements and Safeguarding Donor Intent” and “Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Advancement & Finance Partnerships for Success.” He also serves as faculty for the FundMiner Masterclass Series, helping advancement professionals elevate their technical skills and internal collaboration.

Before joining WFAA, Matt held leadership roles at Northeastern University, where he managed endowments, scholarship compliance, fund establishment, and complex system transitions—along with prior experience as a consultant, fundraiser, and nonprofit executive at organizations including CCS Fundraising, Revolutionary Spaces, Reaching Out MBA, and Babson College.

In addition to his professional work, Matt is deeply engaged with the SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association, where he serves on the Board and contributes to strategic initiatives, scholarship stewardship, and campaign planning.

Matt is known for his strategic clarity, collaborative leadership, and passion for building strong operational foundations that position institutions—and the donors who support them—for long-term success