The value of charity portfolios rose by about 19 per cent in 2009, according to estimated figures released by financial services provider State Street.
The figures were boosted chiefly by a rise in the value of UK equities, which were up by 30 per cent, according to Jeanette Patrizio, vice-president of State Street Investment Analytics.
"In isolation, it was a stellar year for risk assets, both equity and corporate bonds, while the safe havens of cash and government bonds languished," she said.
"However, the returns in the latest year represent only partial recovery of the significant investment losses that were rooted in the collapse of the credit market and the sharp economic recession it precipitated."