Kathryn Maher

Founder, Philanthropy Advisory

Kathryn Maher is a senior philanthropy advisor with extensive experience across nonprofit leadership, strategic fundraising, donor engagement and philanthropy strategy. She has worked across sectors — in education, elite sport, charity leadership and private philanthropy — giving her a practical understanding of how strategy, resources and people come together to create real impact.

Kathryn has led major development programmes including Ireland's first dedicated non-profit for Olympic sport, the Irish Sailing Foundation, and served as Director of Development at Gonzaga College SJ. She has since advised individuals, families, corporate leaders and nonprofit organisations on structured giving, multi-generational philanthropy, legacy planning and the design of sustainable philanthropy strategies.

Known for her judgement, warmth and ability to build trust, Kathryn is also recognised for something that is often overlooked but critical in this work — she is not afraid to ask. Whether supporting donors in making bold commitments or helping organisations articulate an ambitious case for support, she is comfortable in high-trust, high-stakes conversations.

Kathryn brings strong financial awareness to her advisory work and collaborates easily with wealth managers, legal advisers, boards and senior executives. She understands both the emotional and financial dimensions of philanthropic decision-making and works to ensure clarity, prudence and long-term alignment for everyone involved.

At the heart of her approach is a belief that effective philanthropy is thoughtful, disciplined and human — and that when it is done well, it has the power to sustain organisations, empower communities and create meaningful, lasting change.