[not_apathetic_anymore]

We spent 240 billion in private charities in 2003 alone.

That sounds like a factoid that might come in handy when trying to rebutt the leftists at work, they'll ask for a source ... If you know weere that number came from I'd love to have that info.

[commonguymd]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/06/24/national/main560206.shtml

[commonguymd]

Here is the quote from the article:

Gifts to the top 400 charities accounted for nearly a fifth of the $241 billion given to all U.S. charities last year. Nearly 90 percent of donations come from individuals, Palmer said, with the rest from foundations and companies.

Sorry this was 2002 - The figure in 2003 was higher and I probably under reported the total a bit. I can assure you 2004 will be even higher.

[cyncooper]

Not the private charity figure you asked for, but if you're battling liberals, you might be interested in the link at #193.