Welcome to the Philanthropy Project's new state-of-the-art virtual gathering place. With the launch of this site, we're here to proclaim loud and clear: Philanthropy is not just for the rich and famous. You can revolutionize your own life by making the act of helping out many others an easy part of your daily routine.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is giving $290 million to three school districts and five charter groups, its largest education grant in a decade. The grant represents a shift in policy for the foundation, which will now focus on reforming teacher management and studying what makes teachers effective.

A children's book signed by Barbara Bush and former Florida governor Jeb Bush fetches $850,000 at an auction for a center that serves abused and neglected children. The Bush-signed copy of "The Travels of Babar" is part of a fundraising effort that also includes books signed by President Obama, Tiger Woods, Maya Angelou and Jane Goodall.

Facebook is helping JP Morgan Chase donate a total of $5 million to charities. Facebook's 300 million users will be able to vote for the charity of their choice from amount 5,000 nonprofits.

Residents of a struggling Massachusetts town now enjoy a new, state-of-the-art library and senior center, made possible by a local reclusive businessman. The donated complex is valued at over $20 million.

Charities have seen a significant drop in donations this year because of the bad economy, and the holiday season doesn't look any better. About 38 percent of Americans say they plan to give a charitable gift as a holiday present, down from 49 percent last year, according to a new survey.

A retired barber who never married leaves a local charity more than $800,000. The gift from Dominick J. Colelli is one of the largest single donations ever received by the foundation of the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute, which serves developmentally disabled children and adults in Erie, Pa.