Nonprofit experts say the national drive known as "Giving Tuesday" is having a growing impact, with nearly $46 million raised for charitable groups this week.
Research from Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Case Foundation provided to The Associated Press shows the amount donated increased by 63 percent over 2013.
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Last year, about $28 million was raised. About $13.5 million was raised on the first "Giving Tuesday" in 2012.
Based on initial data, analysts say the total number of donations increased by 53 percent this year. There were more than 296,000 contributions made to charities Tuesday. The average donation amount also increased slightly.
The estimates are based on contributions tracked by major donation platforms, including Blackbaud.
