When beginning new, or scaling up existing philanthropic activities, many strategic donors rightfully spend a great deal of time thinking about how to invest–identifying the vehicles and approaches that provide the greatest opportunity to maximize their financial commitment. But equally crucial, is spending time on the “why” of their philanthropic approach. How can we best identify not only the causes or issues that matter most to us, but those where we can make an impact? And what methods are at our disposal to do so?