Online holiday giving still predicted to be brisk

Despite worries about the economy, online giving to charities nationally is expected to top $3 billion this holiday season. That estimate is according to an analysis from Convio Inc., a maker of online donation software and related services for nonprofits.

Analysts looked at the results of a new online giving survey by JupiterResearch and historic data reported by the Chronicle of Philanthropy. According to the survey, more than 89 million people plan to give online during the holidays. Convio commissioned the survey.

Nearly seven out of ten people surveyed said they plan to give the same amount or more, while 33 percent say they will give less to charity this holiday season. "With consumer dollars being tight and the competition for donations growing, the efficiency and effectiveness of the Internet ... continues to grow in importance for donors and organizations alike," said Gene Austin, Convio CEO.

Donors say they plan to give to social services organizations, faith-based organizations and disease and health services organizations, among others. Convio’s clients include American Red Cross, American Diabetes Association, Easter Seals, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.