Foundation Creates Route from Donors to Nonprofits

In Dave Pillers’ business as an attorney, he assists clients in leaving a legacy for causes they care about. “It’s pretty special when you can connect peoples’ passions with charitable giving,” he explains.

As president of the River Bluff Community Foundation, Pillers applies that philosophy as he upholds the foundation’s mission to build endowments, serve as a resource for community needs, and assist donors. He sees the foundation’s service to local nonprofits as a critical role. The Community Foundation is able to assist Clinton nonprofits through its dedicated philanthropy coordinator, who helps organizations establish endowment funds, strengthen boards, and participate in fundraising events like Great Give Day.

Pillers has been involved with numerous nonprofits in Clinton and wants to see organizations like them thrive. “I have a love of the community because I’ve lived here all my life,” he says. He’s served the board of the River Bluff foundation for about five years. “I agree with the mission, and thought it would be worthwhile to see what I could contribute.”

One of those contributions is the in-kind gift of space at the Pillers & Richmond law office in Clinton. The foundation has been given use of an office, a conference room, and other resources at the facility since 2016.

“Dave’s donation of office space was a turning point on the River Bluff Community Foundation’s road to success,” says Amy Manternach, vice president of finance and philanthropic services at the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. “Access to this resource has allowed the Community Foundation to establish a physical presence in Clinton and have a professional location for connecting donors with the causes they care about.”

Under Pillers’ leadership, the River Bluff foundation’s board has begun focusing its annual grantmaking on specific community needs. Understanding those needs and supporting charitable programs are part of the board’s long-term vision for the foundation. “I’d like to see us grow to the point where we become a stronger resource for nonprofits both large and small,” says Pillers. “It’s an organization I truly believe in, and I enjoy being part of it.”