Philanthropy and remittances to the developing world double government aid

Private philanthropy and remittances sent to the developing world totaled nearly twice the amount of government aid.

Private giving and remittances - money sent by immigrants in the U.S. back to their home countries -- totaled $233 billion compared to $121 billion in government aid.

U.S. philanthropy to developing countries, including contributions from foundations, corporations, private and voluntary groups, individual volunteers, religious organizations, and colleges and universities, totaled $37.3 billion.

That compares to $26.8 billion in aid from the U.S. government to developing countries.

---Philanthropy Journal, quoting the 2010 Index of Global Philanthropy and Remittances published by the Center for Global Prosperity at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C.