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Arabella Issue Briefs

 

Below are several recent research reports conducted by Arabella Advisors and our network of issue-area experts. We encourage philanthropists to utilize these reports to improve the effectiveness of their charitable giving. Please contact us for hard-copies.

 

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Investing in Disaster Response
The effects of recent hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes have led to a record level of disaster relief contributions by America’s private philanthropists, while the lasting impacts of these and other natural and human-caused catastrophes point to a need for even greater and more effective support. This Issue Brief surveys new approaches to overcoming challenges facing the disaster response field and provides guidance for individual philanthropists on including effective disaster relief in their giving plans.

 

Click here to download a pdf.

 

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Investing in Financial Literacy

This issue brief takes a look at the broader issue of financial literacy, outlining its context while highlighting opportunities for engagement such as coupling financial literacy with existing program or supporting advocacy to remove some of the structural barriers to wealth many people face.

 

Click here to download a pdf.

 

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Investing in Effective Communications

The ability of most nonprofits to accomplish their missions is directly related to their success at engaging targeted audiences in their work. Whether they seek to secure volunteers, advocate on a particular issue or secure donations, effective communications strategies are critical. As a result, donors can have a tremendous impact on the organizations they care about by giving contributions that help them develop communications skills and capacities. This Issue Brief outlines strategies for helping nonprofits get the tools they need to communicate in today’s complex media environment.

 

Click here to download a pdf.

 

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Investing to Address Climate Change
Scientists, government leaders and investors agree that global warming is the greatest ecological problem of our time. For individuals, beyond incorporating “green” technologies into their lifestyles, such as hybrid cars or energy-efficient light fixtures, it appears that government action is the only opportunity for far-reaching solutions to this crisis. This Issue Brief outlines cutting-edge knowledge about global warming, effective strategies to slow it down and innovative ways in which private philanthropists can, in fact, have direct positive impact on this growing problem.

 

Click here to download a pdf.

 

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Charter Schools
Education continues to be one of the top areas of interest to today’s philanthropists and charter schools are increasingly looked upon as effective alternatives to an otherwise struggling public education system. This Issue Brief examines the latest trends in Charter Schools, noting successes and failures, and provides an effective granting guide to interested donors.

 

Click here to download a pdf.

 

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Diaspora Philanthropy
Developing countries are increasingly relying upon their expatriates living in the United States and elsewhere for development support, and these diaspora communities are responding in record numbers. International grantmaking is now one of the highest personal priorities for financially successful immigrant communities. This Issue Brief helps diaspora philanthropists ensure that the support they send back home is legal, timely and effective.

 

Click here to download a pdf.

 

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Investing in Religion, Education, Health and the Arts

Almost two-thirds of all charitable contributions in the U.S. go to religious, education, health and arts organizations. These contributions are often based more on personal relationships than strategic grantmaking principles. Ongoing governance problems at leading charities in these areas have encouraged donors to increase their due diligence before writing checks to their favorite nonprofits. This Issue Brief highlights unexpected challenges faced by nonprofits in each of these areas and steps donors can take to ensure their funds are used effectively.

 

Click here to download a pdf.