$104 Billion Given to Charity in ‘88:...

$104 Billion Given to Charity in ‘88: Americans gave $104 billion to charity last year, almost 7% more than 1987 and 1.8% ahead of the inflation rate, according to a report by the American Assn. of Fund-Raising Counsel. The association, which represents fund-raising counseling firms, said the total was up $6.55 billion over 1987. Individuals provided about $87 billion, foundations $6 billion and businesses $4.8 billion. Bequests--gifts willed by the deceased--amounted to $6.8 billion. Religious institutions and causes received the largest share of donations, $48 billion, with education, health and human services and cultural organizations getting most of the balance.