1. www.CharityNavigator.org reports that Americans gave almost $308 Billion to charity in 2008; $303 Billion in 2009; $280 Billion in 2010; almost $291 Billion in 2011. About 75% of these donations consistently from individuals. About half go to church organizations.
Source: http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=42
2. In 2006, the Charity Navigator website also predicted more than $40 trillion will pass as inheritance from present to future generations in the next 20 to 40 years.
$40 Trillion could pay off about 267 million $150,000 mortgages.
$150,000 will buy a nice 3 bed, 2 bath home in most places.
The entire population of the United States is around 267 million.
$40 Trillion could therefore buy a nice home for the entire population of the United States!
3. The current gross domestic product of the United States is approximately $12 trillion.