About
Generosity is most powerful when it is intentional.
North Star was built on the belief that giving should never be an obligation or a transaction — it should be a strategic catalyst for genuine impact.
The practice
Built to close the gap between good intentions and lasting impact
When Stephanie Kenney founded North Star Philanthropic Advisors, she set out to solve a challenge she witnessed throughout her tenure working in corporate philanthropy, foundation management, and event production: the gap between good intentions and real impact.
On one side, corporations want to build meaningful community initiatives and engage their employees, but often lack the focused strategy or internal bandwidth to execute them. On the other, non-profit organizations deliver vital community work, but struggle to package their programs for corporate support.
North Star was created to unite both sides. Grounded in a "Philanthropy-First" ethos, our practice combines executive-level advisory with hands-on execution. We work shoulder-to-shoulder with our clients to design bespoke giving strategies, build sustainable partnerships, and host memorable, high-impact events.
What guides us
Our approach
Direction
We help clients define their "North Star" giving pillars, turning random corporate contributions into intentional, high-impact community strategy.
Bridge-Building
Philanthropy works best when corporate goals and non-profit missions align. We act as the trusted translator between corporate funders and community partners.
Flawless Execution
Great ideas mean nothing without delivery. We take initiatives off the page and bring them to life on stage, in the community, and through turnkey events.
Community-Centered Impact
Effective philanthropy begins by listening. We help clients design giving initiatives that honor community needs and lived experiences, ensuring every dollar invested creates meaningful, inclusive, and lasting value where it matters most.
The advisor
Stephanie Kenney
Founder & Principal Advisor
Stephanie Kenney founded North Star Philanthropic Advisors following a 20-year career leading corporate giving, grantmaking, program development, fundraising strategy, and executive event execution. Having directed corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives at two major companies and managed two corporate 501(c)(3) foundations, Stephanie offers clients rare, dual-market insight into how funding decisions are made, governed, and maximized.
Having sat on all sides of the giving table - as a corporate funder making grant decisions, a non-profit operator delivering on-the-ground programs, and a strategist designing multi-year community initiatives - Stephanie understands both corporate priorities and non-profit realities. That cross-sector experience allows her to serve as a trusted translator between corporations seeking authentic impact and non-profits aiming to build sustainable, funder-ready partnerships.
Stephanie's core strength lies in bridging high-level strategic vision with hands-on operational delivery. Whether establishing focused giving pillars for a corporation, coaching non-profit leaders on high-value corporate sponsorships, or directing stage-ready impact summits and fundraising galas, she guides clients seamlessly from strategy to stage.
By design, North Star Philanthropic Advisors remains an intentionally focused boutique practice. When you work with North Star, you partner directly with Stephanie, ensuring senior-level expertise, operational rigor, and dedicated executive partnership for every engagement.
The approach
Advisory work that begins with listening
There is no predetermined playbook. Every engagement begins with a genuine effort to understand - your organization's history, your stakeholders' perspectives, and the communities you're trying to serve. From there, a scope of work is built that fits your needs, your timeline, and your culture.
Tailored to you
No two clients are alike. Every engagement is designed around your specific context, goals, and constraints - not a template.
Grounded in evidence
Recommendations are informed by research, sector knowledge, and real-world experience - not theory alone.
Built for the long term
The goal is to leave clients more capable, not more dependent. Building your internal capacity is as important as delivering results.
Let's build something meaningful together.
Whether you're just beginning your philanthropic journey or looking to deepen an existing commitment, we'd love to learn about your work.
Get in touch