Giving Compass' Take:

• In 2017, Forbes compiled a list of philanthropy's biggest bets and the problems they were seeking to address, including global diseases and a lack of equity.

• What inspiration can we take from these efforts today? Are we doing enough to put resources towards the boldest ideas in the nonprofit world?

• Here's more on philanthropy's role in striving to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

These donations to help spur social change were among last year's most inspiring gifts. Forbes and The Bridgespan Group tapped advisors to name the bets that are likeliest to succeed.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria

Donor: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
$600 million

This grant, augmenting $12.9 billion donated by others, aims to save some 8 million lives and prevent 300 million more from contracting these diseases.  The organization also plans to increase efforts against such threats as Ebola and Zika. It operates by investing in locally-run programs where the need is greatest.

Susan G. Komen African-American Health Equity Initiative

Donor: Fund II Foundation
$27 million

This Komen program seeks to reduce the black/white breast cancer mortality-rate gap across ten U.S. metro areas over five years. African American women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, with the disparity as great as 74% in some cities. The donor, Fund II Foundation, was established in part by Vista Equity Partners, run by Robert F. Smith.

Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa

Donor: Rockefeller Foundation
$50 million

AGRA works to help small farmers across Africa triple or quadruple their production through better technology and storage. Although agricultural production in Africa has increased by 160% over the last three decades, Africa remains a net importer of food. AGRA has targeted three goals by 2020: reducing food insecurity by 50% in 20 countries, doubling the income of 20 million farming families, and putting at least 15 countries on the path to significant increases in crop yields.

Building Equity Initiative

Donor: Walton Family Foundation
$250 million

Founded in 1997, the Walton's initiative finances low-interest loans to nonprofit lenders that help charter schools nationwide secure and upgrade their facilities. The Walton Family Foundation is partnering with Civic Builders, a nonprofit charter facilities developer, to manage the initiative. Together they will work with local education nonprofits in up to 20 cities

Donations to universities, hospitals and cultural institutions are not included. The list limits donors to two spots apiece in the top ten.

Read the full list of $25 million-plus donations by Kerry A. Dolan at Forbes.