I read some good news from Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, the third-largest charity in the United States. It’s not great news, but it does take some of the sting out of the continuing reports of economic malaise, suggestions of a double dip recession, and increased pressure on giving coming from new taxes in 2011. Reports like this can be encouraging.

Fidelity surveyed 503 financial advisors, whose median number of clients was 150 and whose median typical assets under management was $500,000. 87% of the advisors said they thought most of their clients would see a tax spike in the next 12 to 18 months. 26% of the advisors think their clients will increase charitable giving to blunt the pain. Some 48% say clients will maintain their giving levels. This means that 74% of advisors believe their clients will maintain or increase their giving in 2011.

If true, the increase would be welcomed news for a charitable giving economy that is still licking its wounds from a rare year of giving decline in 2009.

However, it should be noted that this good news will not impact all charities. Charitable organizations with grass roots supporters will not be affected as much.

The Atlas of Giving is reporting that 2010 giving through June is up 8.3% but that growth is slowing dramatically. Our current Atlas forecast is projecting flat charitable giving for the next six months and for the next twelve months.

Read the report at Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund.