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Your Bridge to Bold,

Purpose-Driven Giving

Whether you’re ready to act or still finding your way, we help philanthropists, foundations, and donor collaboratives cross the bridge from good intentions to lasting impact in communities across the American South.

We’d love to hear your story — where you are, what you’re dreaming about, and how we can walk alongside you. Whether you’re starting your giving journey, refining your strategy, or looking for a trusted partner, we’re ready to connect.

Let’s Build the Bridge From Purpose to Change — Together

Let’s Bridge Purpose and Possibility

About BlackBridge Philanthropic
Your Bridge to Bold, Justice-Centered Giving in the U.S. South

A Message from Our Founder:

At BlackBridge Philanthropic, connection is everything. Our name reflects what we do best — building bridges between philanthropists, communities, and causes that matter.

We connect people who care with the people doing the work, creating a stronger ecosystem for impact across the American South.

We help individuals, families, foundations, and nonprofits turn bold ideas into bold action. With decades of experience and deep relationships across the South, we offer strategy, guidance, and real partnership. Whether you’re new to giving or refining your approach, we’ll meet you where you are — with no judgment, just thoughtful, trusted support.

We believe in:

  • Leading with relationships, not transactions
  • Centering equity and justice in every plan
  • Lifting up community voices, especially in the South
  • Turning complexity into clear, doable strategy
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A Message from Our Founder:

Jilla Tombar, CAP®, IPA, 21/64 Certified Advisor

Jilla Tombar is a philanthropic advisor, systems-change strategist, and nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience helping people move money with meaning. She specializes in connecting philanthropists to the right issues, communities, and partners to drive bold, lasting impact.

Learn more
About BlackBridge Philanthropic
Let’s Build the Bridge From Purpose to Change — Together

What We Do

We partner with funders who want their giving to matter. From family offices to foundations, we help you align your values, resources, and vision — and turn that alignment into lasting change.

Philanthropy is powerful — and it should feel that way.

We help families and individual donors clarify their purpose, align their giving with their values, and invest in communities in ways that build trust, connection, and lasting impact.

Philanthropic Advising for Families & Individuals

We help families and individual donors clarify their purpose, align their giving with their values, and invest in communities in ways that build trust, connection, and lasting impact. //

Philanthropic Advising for Families & Individuals

We help families and individual donors clarify their purpose, align their giving with their values, and invest in communities in ways that build trust, connection, and lasting impact.

Collaborative Fund Management & Consulting

We design, manage, and advise on pooled funds and collaborative giving initiatives using trust-based approaches that move resources where they’re needed most and foster deeper partnership with communities.

Foundation Services — Strategy, Analysis & Grantmaking

We partner with public, private, and family foundations to provide landscape analysis, asset mapping, grantmaking strategy, and back-end grants management.

Nonprofit Support & Evaluation Services

We strengthen nonprofits through strategy consulting, evaluation services, and support that helps them grow their impact and capacity.

Jilla played a critical role in helping us develop an updated vision and campaign plan. Her ability to listen to multiple voices and synthesize diverse perspectives into a plan that reflected shared priorities was invaluable.
Ann WallaceThe Funders Network
Jilla played a critical role in helping us develop an updated vision and campaign plan. Her ability to listen to multiple voices and synthesize diverse perspectives into a plan that reflected shared priorities was invaluable.
Ann WallaceThe Funders Network
Jilla played a critical role in helping us develop an updated vision and campaign plan. Her ability to listen to multiple voices and synthesize diverse perspectives into a plan that reflected shared priorities was invaluable.
Ann WallaceThe Funders Network

OUR TESTIMONIALS

Don’t Believe Us? People Talk About It

“Jilla played a critical role in helping us develop an updated vision and campaign plan. Her ability to listen to multiple voices and synthesize diverse perspectives into a plan that reflected shared priorities was invaluable.”

Ann Wallace, The Funders Network

“When I first worked with BlackBridge Philanthropic, I was looking for a more intentional approach to my personal giving. She helped me clarify my priorities and build a strategy that reflected how I wanted to contribute. A few years later, when I was launching the HEARD Center—a program of the NeuroCritical Care Society—I asked them to support that work too. I trust BlackBridge to bring clarity, precision, and care to every stage of the process. Our partnership has lasted because it’s built on mutual respect and results.”

Tommy Thomas, MD, PhD

“We started working with Jilla and the BlackBridge team when we were questioning whether to narrow our focus. She didn’t show up with quick answers—she created space for real conversation, connected us with folks doing powerful work, and helped us weigh our options with care. In the end, we saw that the path we were on already had depth and meaning. Jilla helped us see it more clearly and strengthen it. She has a gift for helping you look at your work in a new light.”

Ciara Coleman Geaux Girl Giving

“BlackBridge Philanthropic is the kind of thought partner you want when a project is big and the stakes are high. Jilla brings a calm clarity to the chaos—whether it’s designing surveys, leading interviews, or shaping a complex landscape scan. She’s a sharp writer, a systems thinker, and someone I trust to get the work done right.”

Christy Slater, Philanthropic Strategist & CEO of Slater Consulting Group

Blog & Insights

Welcome to the BlackBridge Insights — where philanthropy meets purpose and practice.

Follow along for fresh insights and reflections — and join the conversation. Read More on LinkedIn

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Get in Touch

Schedule a Discovery Call or Send Message

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Your Bridge to Bold Purpose-Driven Giving

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