Giving Held Steady last year, in spite of an uncertain economy, according to Giving USA. Americans gave an estimated $240.92 billion in ’02, a 0.5% decrease on an inflation-adjusted basis. Estimated giving amounted to 2.3% of the nation’s gross domestic product, extending a trend that began in ’99 when charitable contributions exceeded 2% for the first time since ’71. (Associated Press 6/23/03)

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