US charity giving rebounds from economic slump

WASHINGTON (AFP) – US charitable giving rebounded in 2010 after a horrific slump stemming from the global economic downturn, a survey showed on Monday.

Total charitable contributions from American individuals, corporations and foundations rose 3.8 percent to an estimated $290.89 billion in 2010, up from a revised $280.30 billion for 2009.

Adjusted for inflation, the rise was 2.1 percent, but came after steep declines in the prior two years, according to the figures from Giving USA Foundation and its research partner, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Total giving, which tends to mirror economic trends, equated to two percent of gross domestic product, or economic output, in line with historical trends.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110620/ts_alt_afp/useconomycharitygiving

They have started building houses again and I think thats a good sign for the economy in the area.