After a two-year drop in charitable contributions brought on by the Great Recession, donations from individuals, corporations and foundations have rebounded, according to Giving USA Foundation. The largest decreases in more than 40 years occurred in 2008 and 2009, the foundation noted. However, in 2010, charitable contributions were an estimated $290.89 billion, up from $280.30 billion in 2009.
For the third year in a row, Walmart was the top biggest corporate donor in 2010, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The retail giant gave more than $300 million to local and national initiatives to fight hunger and bring economic development to communities.
Describing the grocery store chain as an active participant in the Food 4 Less program to feed the hungry as well as raising money for military families, the Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked Kroger as the top charitable company in 2010.
Consumers gave the most to religious organizations in 2010, according to Giving USA Foundation, an organization that tracks philanthropy through research and education. Individuals were the least likely to receive a charitable gift, the ranking showed.
