Philanthropy in a Global Economic Crisis; New Report Outlines Strategic Giving Opportunities that will Make an Impact in a Down Economy

Arabella Philanthropic Investment Advisors - experts in trends in philanthropic giving - releases their High Impact Giving Opportunities report that analyzes the most urgent issues in need of attention.

Considering the current climate, HIGO's 'issue underdogs' need attention more than ever, and every dollar will have a great impact for the donors and the people and places they support.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) November 18, 2008 -- Amid one of the biggest global economic crises in decades, philanthropic giving will face the dual challenge of fewer resources and more areas of need, making it even more vital to identify potential high impact areas in which to focus giving. Arabella Philanthropic Investment Advisors, experts in trends in philanthropic giving, identifies seven urgent, underfunded issues that philanthropists should address in a time of growing need. These seven issues, which affect millions of Americans and billions of people around the world, are highlighted in Arabella's annual High Impact Giving Opportunities - HIGO - report. The report analyzes the most urgent issues in need of attention and is a publication developed by the best minds in philanthropy, including leaders from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Oprah's Angel Network.

"Our HIGO report outlines the seven highest-impact areas for giving - where donors can see the greatest results from their giving - which are particularly important for philanthropists in this seriously declining economy. There are more social needs and fewer dollars," says Eric Kessler, Managing Director of Arabella Advisors. "Considering the current climate, HIGO's 'issue underdogs' need attention more than ever, and every dollar will have a great impact for the donors and the people and places they support."

This year's top impact issues are directly related to the new administration and top headlines:

-   POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT highlights the role youth played in this historic election, and more importantly how to keep them engaged.
-   GLOBAL FOOD CRISES hit Africa the hardest, and HIGO highlights how to support small-scale farming in Africa to mediate effects of food shortages for the poorest.
-   CLIMATE CHANGE DEFENSE illustrates how to get a green-collar workforce in place to meet the demands of a new energy economy.
-   CONFLICT RESOLUTION highlights the opportunities for investment in implementing youth athletic programs to bridge divides, break down prejudices and teach against hate.
-   DISASTER RESPONSE points out continuing needs from recent natural disasters.
-   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT shows the critical need to support community colleges in the US for American competitiveness, and finally HIGO highlights action needed in
-   GLOBAL HEALTH for neglected tropical diseases that affect millions and fuel a cycle of poverty across the planet.

Arabella Philanthropic Investment Advisors (http://www.arabellaadvisors.com) is a national strategic advisor that serves institutional, corporate, and family foundations, as well as high-net worth individuals with insights on how to transform philanthropic dollars into results. Clients include: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Hyatt, Microsoft, Pew Charitable Trusts, and many others.

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