If you picked up a paper today, odds are you’ve seen reports of an interesting survey by Giving USA Foundation and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University that found that overall charitable donations increased by 3.9% in 2007 (or 1% after adjustments for inflation), bringing the total donations made by Americans to a record-breaking $306.39 billion.  While the news that giving in 2007 remained steady compared to previous years is reassuring to those worried about the impact of a weakening economy, the verdict isn't out yet on 2008.   

The survey found that corporate gifts and individual giving showed small declines after adjusting for inflation, but foundation grants rose 10.4% to $38.5 billion and charitable bequests were up 6.9% to $23.1 billion, contributing to the majority of the overall increase.  The survey also found strong growth in contributions to international organizations that provide relief, economic aid, exchange, and other programs. Donations rose 16.1 percent to 13.22 billion dollars and the study’s authors believe that was due to an increased awareness, especially among people born after 1981, of global issues.  Additional statistics and findings can be found here.

However, as gas prices continue to rise, the housing market remains somewhat stalemate, and job growth is minimal, the question of the impact of a poor economy on the nonprofit sector will continue to linger.  As Stephanie Strom of the New York Times points out in her story today, despite the survey's findings, there are signs of of a decline in giving. 

We’re curious to hear your thoughts—do the survey’s finding reassure you about the status of giving in a poor economy?  Or are you still concerned about this year's economic impact?