Select Projects

A public-private partnership supporting equitable playground renovations across San Francisco, aligning municipal leadership, private donors, and corporate sponsors to expand access to safe, modern play spaces.

Let’sPlaySF
Playground Campaign

A citywide philanthropic initiative mobilizing donors, neighborhoods, and corporate partners to invest in San Francisco’s parks, strengthening both community pride and long-term public space funding.

Heart Your Parks Citywide Campaign

Sundown Cinema
Outdoor Movie Series

A free outdoor film series activating downtown public space while securing corporate sponsorship and philanthropic investment to ensure sustainability.

Gardens of
Golden Gate Park
Flower Piano

A beloved public arts activation placing pianos throughout the Botanical Garden—blending music, philanthropy, and civic pride to celebrate San Francisco’s cultural vibrancy.

Embarcadero Plaza & Sue Bierman Renovation Project

The 5-acre space will be reimagined as a welcoming gateway for residents and visitors, creating a dynamic public destination and marking an important step in San Francisco’s downtown renewal.

Party for the Parks Fundraising Gala

An annual and signature fundraising event, aligning sponsorship, stewardship, and long-term philanthropic growth.

Public Space Summit

A cross-sector civic conference convening bringing together city leaders, business partners, and community stakeholders to shape the future of public space and downtown vitality.

Park Markets at Crane Cove Park

A free outdoor flea and farmers market that celebrated community, supported local artisans through reduced vendor fees, and activated the newly renovated Crane Cove Park.

Testimonials

  • "Sonia is one of the most creative and articulate person I have ever worked with. She brings such great energy and drive to every project she takes on."

  • "Sonia helped turn a struggling point of entry program into a streamlined meaningful and profitable giving program. At a time of major staff transitions, Sonia created a unique experience for our members that has increased enrollment and revenue, year after year."

  • "Sonia's boundless enthusiasm made a difficult project look easy and her meticulous attention to detail was the key to the flawless administration. She is an asset to any team that is lucky enough to work with her."

  • "Sonia was a true master of the art and science of fundraising. She has the skills to rally people in support of vital cultural and community organization. Bottom line, she is a fundraising powerhouse."

  • "Sonia was a creative force who helped re-eneergize many aspects of our programming. Her work resulted in an award-winning Cenntennial direct mail package, more effective operating systems and significant increases in contributed income during one of the worst economic periods of New York City history."

  • "Sonia is a organized and creative professional who takes great integrity in her work. I cannot recommend her skills, experience, and expertise to others more highly."

Select Clients & Experience

American Federation of Arts

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Downtown SF Partnership

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Gardens of Golden Gate Park
[formerly San Francisco Botanical Garden]

San Francisco New Deal

San Francisco Parks Alliance

St. Anthony’s Foundation

The Contemporary Austin [formerly Austin Museum of Art]

Thinkery
[formerly Austin Children’s Museum]

Sonia Gonzalez Banks

Sonia Gonzalez Banks is a nonprofit executive and strategic advisor with nearly three decades of experience building stronger organizations, cultivating philanthropy, and advancing civic impact.

Her work sits at the intersection of philanthropy, organizational leadership, and community building. Sonia helps nonprofit leaders, boards, donors, and civic partners align around bold ideas that strengthen cities, cultural institutions, and the communities they serve.

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