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The most popular New Year's resolutions fall into predictable categories -- spend more time with family and friends, be healthier (eat better, exercise, quit smoking), and get organized (finances and life in general).  But another popular resolution is to help others.  Giving back to your community and supporting causes you care about can take many forms.

This spotlight, "Resolution: Give Back," will help you plan ahead for a meaningful, rewarding year.  So while you're making your plans to lose that holiday weight and balance your checkbook, read about how others are giving back -- and how you can make a difference in 2007.

This Year, Volunteer
If one of your resolutions is to give back, remember that your time is one of the most valuable things you can give.  We've put together a quick guide to finding the right opportunity for you.

 

U.S. Giving on the Rise
Richard Jolly, chair of the Giving USA Foundation, explains why he's optimistic about Americans' charitable giving.  Find out who gives, why they give, and what they give to.

Meaningful Gifts for Everyday Giving
The end of the holidays doesn't mean an end to gift-giving.  Read contributing writer Elaine Gast's ideas for creative and meaningful gifts, from charitable gift certificates to wedding registries to low-dollar loans with a big impact.

Doing Well by Doing GOOD
Ben Goldhirsh, the 26-year-old founder of GOOD, calls the new magazine a "platform to push cool people doing cool things."  But how can a magazine make money when all of its subscription dollars go to charities?  We asked Ben about his unusual business model, what makes content "good," and why he thinks a paper magazine will appeal to an online generation.  Read the Q&A.  

Online Giving: Donors Are Younger, More Generous, and in a Hurry to Help
Scott Case and Katya Andresen of Network for Good, the largest nonprofit site for charitable giving, say donors are seeking efficiency, convenience, and speed -- and new technologies are responding to their demands. Scott and Katya also review new tools that make it easy for you to raise money for the causes you care about.

Giving Tips:
Top 10 Best Practices of Savvy Donors
Tax Benefits of Giving
9 Ways to Teach Your Child About Charity

Giving in the News:
"Sweet Charity: From Average Folks to Billionaires, People Find It Is Better to Give Than to Keep," by Greg Morago, Hartford Courant
"In Giving to Others, You Don't Have to Be a Billionaire," by Kathie Klarreich, Miami Herald