Total charitable contributions from American individuals, bequests, corporations and foundations were an estimated $298.42 billion in 2011, up from a revised estimate of $286.91 billion for 2010, Giving USA Foundation^TM and its research partner, the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, announced today.

The 2011 estimate, detailed in Giving USA's 57th consecutive annual report, represents growth of 4.0 percent in current dollars and 0.9 percent in inflation-adjusted dollars.

Jackrabbit Design, a full-service brand design firm, announced today its "Carrots for a Cause" contest, the firm's second annual pro-bono initiative aimed to help one Massachusetts registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization reach a larger audience by designing and developing a new website valued up to $50,000. The contest will be open for submissions from June 18 through July 16, 2012. The winner will be announced in August.

CaringBridge, the social network that keeps families and loved ones connected during any type of health event, is launching a new look and new services that will help even more people support their loved ones during times of need.