New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave $254 million of his fortune to philanthropic causes in 2009.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked the billionaire No. 4 on its list of 50 Americans who gave the most to charity last year.

Bloomberg has steadily increased his giving over the years. In 2008, he gave $235 million and in 2007 he gave $205 million.

In 2009 he spread the money among 1,300 charities. He does not disclose individual amounts.

His fortune is estimated at $17.5 billion by Forbes magazine. Bloomberg founded the financial information company that bears his name.