Donations to large churches increase to $38 billion

WASHINGTON — Private donations to the nation’s largest charities blossomed to $38 billion in 1999 — a 13 percent increase from the previous year, according to a philanthropy journal’s report.

For the eighth consecutive year, the Salvation Army topped The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s 10th annual survey of 400 charitable organizations, collecting $1.4 billion in donated cash and goods — 13 percent more than the year before. Ranking second came the YMCA of the USA, collecting $693.3 million in 1999 for a 10 percent increase.

The American Red Cross collected $678.3 million, 25 percent more than in 1998. The American Cancer Society trailed in fourth place, and saw its donations increase 11.5 percent to $620 million. Lutheran Services in America boosted its position on the list from 42 in 1998 to 6 this year with $559 million in donations in 1999.

United Jewish Communities ranked seventh with $524.3 million in contributions, followed by America’s Second Harvest ($471.8 million) and Habitat for Humanity ($466.7 million).

Ranked number 11 on the survey is Catholic Charities USA with contributions totaling $446.3 million. Boys and Girls Clubs of America ranked 13 with $362.3 million.