Bringing a business mindset to philanthropy. Founded in 1991, Orr Group specializes in the business of philanthropy, helping advance our clients’ missions. With roots in investment banking and a deep commitment to driving social change, we bring a strategic, data-informed approach to solving complex challenges. Today, under the leadership of CJ Orr, we continue to evolve—growing our team, expanding our services, and deepening our impact across the nonprofit sector. A second-generation leader with a background in finance and business development, CJ leads with a results-oriented, relationship-driven approach rooted in our founding values. Our Co-Founder, Steve Orr, spent his early days as an investment banker. Specializing in the financial sector at Goldman Sachs, he recognized the power of data and analytics to drive change, growth, and creative thinking. After more than a decade on Wall Street, inspired by a desire to make the world a better place, and by his own parents’ philanthropy, Steve and his wife Carol founded Orr Group (previously known as Orr Associates, Inc.). Drawing from a fruitful career in interior design and special events, Co-Founder Carol Orr created our events management and fundraising service line, in addition to building and managing the firm’s human resources function for 20+ years. Carol’s business and events acumen led to some of our most notable event successes and achievements as a firm, which endure through today.
From our beginnings as an event management and fundraising firm, Orr Group evolved into a full-service embedded partnership pioneer. We offer our nonprofit partners a broad range of expertise and capabilities—from working at the highest levels of leadership and strategic planning to providing granular day-to-day support and implementation. We take the time to understand your values, priorities, and goals, ensuring that every strategy supports your unique mission. One of the key lessons Steve took away from Goldman Sachs was that “it’s all about the team.” That philosophy still defines how we work. Orr Group pioneered the embedded partnership model. We join your team, listen carefully to your leaders and stakeholders, and roll up our sleeves to help build strategy, stability, and revenue—together. We don’t just consult—we collaborate. That’s why nonprofits turn to Orr Group. Because in the business of philanthropy, you need more than a consultancy. You need a partner.