Unless it’s war, scandal or natural disaster, it’s difficult to command national attention. Warren Buffett managed to get the world’s attention last week with news that wasn’t about bloodshed or calamity.

Buffett’s announcement that 85 percent of his $42 billion fortune would go to charity contained a profound message. Buffett said he would not be passing this huge fortune to his children, because he did not believe in the creation of dynastic wealth.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will receive the lion’s share of Buffett’s wealth. The Gates Foundation’s giving to combat disease in the Third World rivals the budget of the United Nations’ health organization.

Philanthropy has the power to set an agenda and readjust priorities. Of the Buffett gift, The Economist observed that, “Philanthropy is good for doing all sorts of things governments fail at. Free of the vicissitudes of votes and public opinion, philanthropists can take on causes that are unpopular or neglected.”

Giving on any level can make things happen. Giving on the scale of Buffett’s gift through the Gates Foundation can have a profound effect. His gift is similar to Joan Kroc’s $2 billion gift to the Salvation Army and her $200 million gift to National Public Radio.

Much closer to home, Clatsop County has benefited from enlightened giving for decades. There was Lester Raw’s creation of a fund to benefit Seaside young people. There were Kenneth Drucker’s $500,000 gifts to the Astoria High School Scholarship Fund, the Columbia River Maritime Museum and the Clatsop County Historical Society. There was Edwin K. Parker’s $1 million gift to the Clatsop County Historical Society.

One need not be a millionaire to make a difference. Nonprofit causes across a broad spectrum cry for attention in Clatsop County. They include human welfare, youth activities, the arts, history and historic preservation.

The recently published Giving in Oregon notes that giving rose dramatically in Oregon over the prior year. The Oregon Community Foundation was the largest recipient of donations, at $139 million. Within the community foundation, there are 13 Clatsop County funds. One of the newest funds is the Edith Henningsgaard Miller Fund for the Benefit of Astoria.

Consider making your own gifts this year.