Gifts to nonprofit healthcare institutions in the United States and Canada in 2013 totaled $10.7 billion, up from $10.4 billion the previous year, a report from the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy finds.

Based on survey data from 242 U.S. and 49 Canadian nonprofit hospitals, medical centers, healthcare systems, and related facilities, the AHP Report on Giving found that fundraising in support of U.S. healthcare institutions totaled more than $9.2 billion in 2013, up 3.1 percent on a year-over-year basis and well above the $7.6 billion raised in 2009, which opened with the U.S. economy in a deep slump. The report also found that donations to Canadian institutions exceeded $1.5 billion, more than $100 million above 2012 levels and half a billion dollars more than the recession-related low in 2008. Return on investment figures for every dollar spent on philanthropic activities in 2013 was $3.55 in the U.S. and $3.83 in Canada, while the cost to raise a dollar was 28 cents in the U.S. and 26 cents  in Canada.

"Donor support is vital to continue the work of health care institutions that serve their communities," said AHP board chair William S. Littlejohn, senior vice president and CEO of Sharp HealthCare Foundation.