Why we give to any particular cause is highly personal, of course, but one common motivating factor is that it just plain feels good. That’s what the next generation of philanthropists is discovering as it forges fresh directions in charitable giving. Called by some “the new activist givers,” these 30-, 40- and 50-something donors are not simply writing checks (although that helps!). They want to see the change they’re affecting, so they are choosing the nonprofit organizations in which to participate with much greater focus, and working with them much more directly, than ever before. They’re also seeking out sage philanthropic advisors like our Charity Register partner, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, to help guide them in their quests to make the world a better place.

In this issue of our annual Charity Register, we profile some of these new philanthropists who are making a difference in our community—people like 28-year-old Zeb Portanova. When Portanova helped his Leadership Sarasota class build a Habitat house, he was so impressed with Habitat for Humanity Sarasota that he decided to work for the organization for a year, at no salary. He’s one of a fascinating group of young givers who are re-energizing the charities of their choice.

In this Charity Register, we also bring you our annual directory of Sarasota’s nonprofit organizations and our comprehensive calendar of the season’s biggest fund-raising events so that you, too, can find the inspiration to get involved. And, just for fun, we take a look back at the year’s best parties and the people who made them happen. When it comes to feeling good, Sarasota’s hearty troupes of chairpeople, donors and nonprofit pros know what they’re doing. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to join the club.