Matt Leighninger has advised a number of foundations, including the Knight Foundation, Kellogg Foundation, Mott Foundation, Bertelsmann Foundation, Whitman Institute, newDemocracy Foundation, and the Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement affinity group. He has worked with government agencies and national associations on their public engagement strategies, including the National League of Cities, American Bar Association, International City/County Management Association, Alliance for Children and Families, NeighborWorks America, Centers for Disease Control, Environment Canada, and the League of Women Voters.