Since 2002, OKC has been supporting charities, grant-making foundations, individuals, families and corporate partners to maximise their impact through delivering strategic, values-led consultancy. Led by Mary O’Kennedy, the team brings almost 25 years of experience across Ireland’s charity, philanthropic and corporate sectors, alongside a strong national and international network.
OKC works across the not-for-profit sector and with donors and philanthropic entities to shape and deliver meaningful social impact. Their bespoke advisory services help clients identify opportunities, strengthen governance, develop effective funding strategies and ensure philanthropic investments deliver measurable, lasting outcomes.
With a deep understanding of the charitable landscape and the pivotal role philanthropy plays within it, OKC ensures that clients’ resources are directed effectively and responsibly, combining rigorous due diligence, strong governance and a focus on financial and social return. Whether in Ireland or internationally, their approach is designed to maximise both impact and long-term value.
OKC offers a hands-on, client-centred service, drawing on extensive sector knowledge and a trusted network of specialist associates across complementary fields. Internationally, they engage with a broad network of civil society consultants through EU Consult.
Whether supporting an established foundation, advising a newly formed philanthropic initiative, or guiding individuals or businesses considering structured giving, OKC partners with clients at every stage - connecting great people to great causes to enable great impact.
OKC works closely with leading sector advisory and grant-making organisations including Philanthropy Ireland, Community Foundation Ireland, The Ireland Funds, Rethink Ireland and Charities Institute Ireland and supports a diverse portfolio of clients across education, arts and culture, community development, sport, health, welfare and international development.
OKC’s Services
● Philanthropy Strategy & Advisory
● Foundation & Fund Structuring
● Governance & Due Diligence
● Board & Leadership Development
● Grantmaking Design
● Programme Development
● Impact Measurement & Evaluation
● Training & Coaching
● Investment & Stewardship Advisory
● Risk Management
● Partnership & Legacy Planning
● HR & Recruitment
Client Feedback
“Mary and her team consistently excel, which is enhanced by Mary's personal and infectious passion and enthusiasm. I highly recommend Mary and the OKC team for any similar assignments.”
- Kieran MacSweeney, Managing Director and Private Investment Advisor, KMACS Consulting and former advisor to the Arts Council
“We employed OKC to guide us on the setting up of a new Charitable Foundation
and subsequently to advise us on fundraising priorities. We were delighted with
their performance and would happily recommend them to any other organisation.”
-Brian Dunphy, Chairman, The Mercy Hospital Cork Foundation
“We have had the pleasure of working with OKC as our consultants on the Hi Digital project for the past four years, and prior to this our transformational partnership with ISPCC Childline. Both projects have delivered – and continue to deliver - wide-reaching social impact under the umbrella of our ESG "Connect for a Better Future" goals. Hi Digital focuses specifically on inclusive and sustainable connectivity, and aiming to bridge digital divides.”
- Liz Roche, Head of Foundation and Sustainable Business at Vodafone Ireland
"The OKC team have developed really detailed, bespoke training, workshops and individual support that have been of huge benefit to our awardees to develop fundraising strategies, financial sustainability plans, articulating their value proposition and developing an impactful case for support. It has been a pleasure to work with OKC and we look forward to working with them again in the future."
-Pádraig Fitzgerald, Fund Manager - Head of Health, Rethink Ireland
"Every session was warm and positive, Mary and Sabrina completely bought into our project and invested their time and more importantly passion into making our plan a success. They went far beyond their remit to ensure we were best placed to meet the funding needs of the organisation, streamlining that process to ensure we can continue to focus on the young people. This is more than a job to the team in OKC and we enjoyed every minute of working with them."
-Jonathon Doyle - Chief Executive Officer, Citywise Education
