Fresh approaches to philanthropy's urgent problems will be essential in the year ahead. Here are some of the best pieces from The Chronicle's opinion section to get up to speed on new thinking.

The power of cash.

Benjamin Soskis, a philanthropy scholar at the Urban Institute, examined intensifying interest among donors about promoting a universal basic income — the idea that everybody should get a minimum, no-strings-attached sum annually.

Philanthropy's role in fighting misinformation.

Elizabeth Good Christopherson, head of the Rita Allen Foundation, noted that all grant makers — regardless of their missions — have a stake in making sure policy makers and voters base their decisions on evidence and facts.

Unlocking more donations for charity.

All the focus on federal tax deduction for charitable donations obscures the powerful role nonprofits have in promoting strong giving, argued Eugene Steuerle, co-founder of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center.

Protecting the planet.

Larry Kramer, head of the Hewlett Foundation, and Charlotte Pera, chief executive of ClimateWorks, offered seven reasons for hope that philanthropy can help curb climate change.

Read the full article about impact giving ideas for 2018 at The Chronicle of Philanthropy.