Donations to Charities Up Slightly, Survey Says

Contributions to the nation’s biggest charities rose slightly last year after falling in 2002, the first decline in a decade, according to an annual survey by a publication that tracks nonprofit groups.

The study being released today by The Chronicle of Philanthropy found that donations to the 400 largest nonprofit organization increased by 2.3% in 2003, to more than $47 billion. In the previous year, donations fell 1.2%, in part because of troubled economic times.

Reclaiming the No. 1 spot on the Chronicle’s list was the Salvation Army, with $1.3 billion in donations, followed by the American Cancer Society at $794 million and Gifts In Kind International with $787 million.