Pilar is a philanthropic advisor, a fundraising consultant, and a donor activist, based out of Port Huron, Michigan. Though officially retired, she still works with a few clients and volunteers for social justice causes.
For nonprofits, her specialties include fund development, fundraising protocols and policy, donor relations, small events, and fundraising copywriting. With donors, she assists families and individuals in making sound philanthropic decisions.
Pilar has worked with extraordinary organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area such as: The Women’s Foundation of California, California Rural Legal Assistance Inc, Thousand Currents (formerly IDEX), Global Fund for Women, and Jewish Voice for Peace—just to name a few.
She was featured in the Chronicle of Philanthropy and NPR’s Marketplace for her personal philanthropic story. PEOPLE Magazine named her as one of the “Heroes among Us” for her commitment to marginalized immigrant workers in California. In early 2000’s, she was awarded The Flying Eagle Woman Award from Native Americans in Philanthropy for her philanthropic leadership.
She has written numerous articles and opinion pieces, direct mail letters read by thousands of donors spanning a 25 year-career of activism. And for seven years, she co-led with John Bloom at the Rudolf Steiner Foundation Social Finance, an ongoing retreat, “Reimagine Money,” designed for organizational leaders.
She is sustained in her work by the love of her husband, one faithful dog, several grandchildren and many friends.
