Charitable Giving Rises 3.8% in 2010

NEW YORK (MainStreet) -- Charity may finally be making a comeback.

Americans gave $290.9 billion in charitable donations last year, nearly 4% more than the previous year, according to a report from the Giving USA Foundation marking the first year-over-year increase since the recession began.

After several years on the decline, charitable donations finally picked up slightly in 2010.

Throughout 2008 and 2009, charitable giving fell by a combined 13%, the biggest decline in donations in more than 40 years, as many consumers and businesses were forced to rein in spending due to the bad economy. But that may be changing.

"Despite the fragile economic recovery, though, Americans continued - and even increased - their support of organizations and causes that matter to them in 2010," said Edith H. Falk, chairwoman of Giving USA Foundation. "The $10.59 billion increase in the estimated total suggests that giving is beginning to recover as the economy slowly climbs out of the recession."

As the data show, though, it may not be households so much as businesses that contributed to this increase. Corporate giving increased by a significant 10.6% last year, much of which came from pharmaceutical companies, according to the report, whereas giving by individuals increased by a more modest 2.7%.

Schools proved to be one of the leading recipients of this increase in donations, with education donations to them up 5.2% last year from the year before. Art galleries and other cultural centers enjoyed similarly strong donations.

For those interested in donating some money or time, here are the 20 best charities in America.

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