Philanthropy has been hit by ongoing economic uncertainty in the US, with American family foundations donating less money in 2010 compared to 2008.
A study by US research body the Foundation Center found that family foundations gave $20.6 billion (€15.5 billion) in 2010, compared to a record high of $21 billion in 2008.
However, the 2010 figure is a slight increase on 2009, when American foundations gave $20.4 billion.
According to the study, education and health causes were the biggest priority for family foundations in 2010.