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This holiday season, when people turn their attention to family, friends, and loved ones, we've decided to take a look at giving -- in all of its forms.  Instead of focusing on philanthropy by foundations or corporations, we explore simple ways individuals can give their time or money to improve their communities and the world.

Read on to learn about giving trends and tools that are making it easier than ever to support the organizations and causes you care about.  Get specific tips about how to give wisely -- and ideas for creative gift-giving that makes a difference.

Changing the World, One Gift at a Time: A Guide to Charitable Gift-Giving
Contributing writer Elaine Gast reviews a range of charitable gifts -- from cows and llamas for people living in poverty to coats for people left homeless by natural disasters.  "One gift may not change the world," Elaine says, "but it's a start."  Read more, and see Elaine's picks of charitable gift catalogs.

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.  Read more.

The Gift of Time: Volunteering for the Whole Family
Sometimes the best gift of all is your time.  Philanthropy advisor Janice Schoos discusses why the holidays are a perfect time to volunteer as a family -- and how to find the right opportunity.  Read more.

Don't miss "Tax Benefits of Giving." And as you plan your holiday and end-of-the-year giving, consider supporting the Case Foundation's partners!