Donations hit a record of nearly $310 billion in 2007. At the height of the recession, in 2009, giving dropped to under $279 billion.
As reported by Reuters, the study estimated that nearly 120 million households in the United States donated money to some kind of charity last year. There are more than 1 million registered charities and nearly a quarter of a million religious groups in the United States.
Gifts from estates rose more than 12 percent, reaching upwards of $24 billion, while foundation and corporate giving remained stable, the study found. Corporate giving amounted to $14.5 billion in 2011, with foundations handing out $42 million in grants.
About Perry Mandera: A strong advocate on behalf of charities across the country, Perry Mandera founded Custom Cares Charities.