High Impact Giving Guide 2020

While multiple measures show that U.S. democracy is weakening, local and national organizations are shoring the underpinnings of civil society. Here you’ll find nonprofits we identified through our work for We the People: A Philanthropic Guide to Strengthening Democracy. These organizations are increasing civic engagement and reinvigorating local media, two ways to rebuild the essential elements of democracy.

Mental health and substance use disorders have an outsized impact on families and communities, yet services and treatments to address them are drastically underfunded. In our new guide, Health in Mind: A Philanthropic Guide for Mental Health and Addiction, we describe five strategies for improving mental health and addiction services at every level and stage. Here we look at organizations putting those strategies into practice. For example, one group helps those with substance use disorders get access to temporary emergency housing, medical treatment, and meals. A donation of $50 can provide emergency shelter and food to someone at risk of dying from addiction.

While our first two sections are focused on U.S. organizations, global health is one of the areas where needs are urgent and high impact is possible. Here we feature two different organizations identified in our guidance, Community-Based Approaches to Health. While distinct in their own right, both organizations deliver care to communities that are isolated due to physical distance, cultural discrimination, or extreme poverty.

In the wake of major disasters, the human spirit mobilizes many of us to do something. The images of the devastation can be heartbreaking, prompting us to ask, “How Can I Help?” Since needs remain long after the media camera crews pack up, we discuss how you can support both immediate relief and rebuilding. We’ve updated our Disaster Relief guide, highlighting how to help in the wake of multiple recent disasters.