From Chronicle of Philanthropy and Slate on line: More major donors are "funneling money into ambitious projects designed to address global and societal challenges instead of simply choosing to support nonprofit entities such as hospitals, museums, and colleges."

According to the latest edition of the annual Slate 60 list:

• in 2009, the $4.1 billion given to nonprofit and charitable causes by the top fifty philanthropists was barely more than a quarter of the $15.5 billion given by the top fifty in 2008.
• Top donors:  Stanley and Fiona Druckenmiller, who gave $705 million to the Druckenmiller Foundation, and the late John M. Templeton, who left $573 million to the John Templeton Foundation. Other major gifts were made by Bill and Melinda Gates ($350 million), George Soros (three large gifts totaling $300 million), Michael R. Bloomberg ($254 million), and Cincinnati arts patron Louise Nippert ($185 million).

The study suggests many donors are being more creative in their giving - meaning less money for traditional brick-and-mortar projects and more ' investments' in social problems or to encourage charities to collaborate in new ways.

"Wealthy Americans increasingly see philanthropy as way to catalyze big changes in society, rather than choosing only to write a check for a new building or to further existing projects," said Chronicle editor Stacy Palmer. "More and more top donors now put their money, clout, and vision into fueling the development of new ideas and shaping future leaders — whether in education, business ethics, economics or climate change."