US-based charity The National Christian Foundation (NCF) announced that it has reached two major milestones during the first quarter of 2007.

Continuing a multi-year trend of "extraordinary growth" in nearly every measurable category, the Atlanta-based NCF, combined with its 29 local affiliate foundations across the US, topped the $2bn mark in contributions since NCF's 1982 inception.

The foundations also reached an asset balance milestone of more than $1bn, NCF reports.

"NCF's recent milestones - our asset balance topping the $1bn mark and our contributions totalling over $2bn - are by products of the trust we have been fortunate to establish with the givers we serve," said David Wills, NCF president. "We have an incredible opportunity to offer expert counsel and innovative giving solutions every day to some of the most generous individuals and families across the country."

Working alongside its Local Christian Foundation affiliates, NCF received some $460m in contributions and made some $230m in grants last year.

NCF's 2006 grant level of some $230m was over 30 per cent of its 2006 beginning-of-year asset total, which was approximately $715m.

"Most foundations distribute 5 per cent of their assets each year, while NCF annually distributes 30 per cent or more of our asset base," said Wills. "We know of no other similarly-sized foundation in the world that year-in-and-year-out makes grants at that
rate."

The National Christian Foundation was established in 1982 to enable people to give creatively and efficiently to a variety of causes and organisations. NCF provides innovative giving solutions and expert counsel tailored around donors' individual charitable objectives. NCF also partners with professional advisors and church/non-profit leaders to educate and equip their clients and supporters with flexible giving solutions and charitable giving expertise.