Jilla Tombar

Jilla Tombar, CAP® is a philanthropic advisor, systems-change strategist, and nonprofit management expert dedicated to leveraging the platform of philanthropy to facilitate and support innovative, community-led solutions addressing social, economic, and climate justice. With over two decades of experience as a nonprofit leader, grantmaker, and fundraiser, Jilla brings a wealth of expertise to her role as Founder and Managing Director at BlackBridge Philanthropic (BlackBridge), where she is committed to connecting philanthropists with impactful social change initiatives.

Jilla specializes in collaborative philanthropy, building partnerships between donors, nonprofits, and communities to drive social, economic, and climate justice. Her approach centers on The Bridge Model, a framework she developed to foster trust, co-creation, and long-term impact between funders and those working on the ground. Jilla helps clients align their giving with their values, turning philanthropy into a tool for lasting, transformative change.

Prior to her role at BlackBridge, Jilla made significant contributions at the Greater New Orleans Foundation where she leveraged her deep professional networks and experience in nonprofit management and fundraising to build holistic grantmaking programs, funder collaboratives, and leadership initiatives. Jilla has also served at the Latin American Youth Center, Earth Conservation Corps, and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement in Washington, DC.

Jilla lives in New Orleans, LA with her husband and three children.