Why Work With BlackBridge?
- We start by listening — and build strategies that reflect your values, vision, and the impact you want to make.
- We’re rooted in the South — working alongside nonprofits and funders in both major cities and rural communities, with deep knowledge of the people, movements, and partnerships driving real change.
- We bring hands-on expertise — in racial justice, climate justice, economic opportunity, education, criminal justice, health, and more.
- We make it easy to get started — offering honest partnership, clear guidance, and a no-pressure approach.
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
What We Do
Looking for a trusted partner to help you move resources with purpose?
Whether you’re a donor seeking guidance, a foundation refining your strategy, a collaborative managing shared funds, or a nonprofit building capacity — we’re here to walk alongside you.
Here’s how we help:
Philanthropic Advising for Families & Individuals
We help families and donors clarify their purpose, align giving with their values, and invest in communities in ways that build trust, connection, and lasting impact.
Support Pooled Funds and Funder Collaborations
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 foundations to deliver landscape analysis, asset mapping, grantmaking strategy, and grants management support.
Nonprofit Support & Evaluation Services
We strengthen nonprofits through strategy consulting, equitable evaluation, and hands-on support that helps them grow their capacity, deepen their impact, and lead with confidence.
Our Approach
At BlackBridge, we invest in long-term relationships rooted in trust — with our clients and the communities they serve.
Holistic Strategy
We recognize that social challenges are interconnected. Our services address the full spectrum of philanthropic needs, embedding equity and justice into every strategy we build.
Bold, Innovative Solutions
We challenge the status quo, offering strategies that go beyond conventional giving. Whether you need to refine your focus, raise funds, vet partners, or design programs — we’re here to help you move with intention and confidence.
Collaborative Ecosystem Building
We leverage a diverse network spanning philanthropy, business, finance, government, and academia — because solving big challenges takes collective effort.
Justice at the Center
We work to dismantle systemic barriers and help our clients invest in solutions that shift power, resources, and opportunities to historically underserved communities, including those in rural areas across the South.
Subject Matter Expertise
We bring deep knowledge across issue areas like climate justice, racial equity, environmental adaptation, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, education, disaster relief, workforce development, and economic opportunity.
Our Founder & CEO
Jilla Tombar
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.
Jilla’s lived experience as a Black woman in the American South, combined with her deep sector expertise, informs her trusted, no-nonsense approach. She holds an M.A. in Philanthropy & Development (LaGrange College), a B.A. (University of Alabama at Birmingham), and credentials including Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®), Impact Philanthropy Advisor® (IPA®), and 21/64 Certified Advisor.
Our Advisors
BlackBridge is connected to a nationwide network of nonprofit capacity-building specialists, grant writers, project managers and evaluators, and financial services professionals. Everyone on our team has been vetted and committed to
- Innovation: We embrace cutting-edge solutions that are rooted in equity to support philanthropists and philanthropies.
- Collaboration: We specialize in facilitating partnerships that leverage resources and expertise across sectors, maximizing the impact of philanthropic investments.
- Impactful Giving: We offer strategic guidance to ensure your philanthropic efforts lead to lasting change.