The Issues

Arabella Advisors produced the High-Impact Giving Opportunities: Philanthropy that Makes a Difference list to assist donors in assessing the urgent issues that are underfunded and/or under-recognized. These ten issues allow donors to make an impact, whether they are able to contribute $100, $100,000, or $1 million.

Arabella Advisors recruited a distinguished group of independent advisors, including opinion leaders, foundation and association executives, and business leaders to provide ideas and feedback on issues needing the attention of donors. Selection criteria required that the issues:

Address urgent needs;
Lack the attention they deserve within communities of donors, among policy makers, and in the general public; and
Provide donors with opportunities to have a significant impact.

The advisory group considered: What issues are timely but overlooked? What challenges lie on the horizon that might be mitigated with proactive support? Where can one’s contribution go the farthest in saving lives, educating children, preserving the environment, alleviating poverty, or addressing another urgent need? Where can donors see measurable return on investments?

For donors taking a more strategic approach to philanthropy, the answers to these questions are central to effective giving and to solving the most critical social problems facing our world.

View the press release announcing the inaugural High-Impact Giving Opportunities List.

Listen to a show about HIGO on NPR's Marketplace Money.

Download the full High-Impact Giving Opportunities: Philanthropy that Makes a Difference list.

Download the summary of the inaugural list.