Giving in Numbers: 2007 Edition

This edition of Giving in Numbers is based on 2006 giving data from 136 companies, including 55 of the Fortune 100. Report highlights include:

Total Giving Increased. Companies reported higher giving in 2006 than in 2005. Among the matched set of companies responding to the survey in both years, the median dollar value of contributions increased to $32.6 million from $29.5 million.
Reasons for Increased Giving. The most frequently cited reasons included continued strong profits, improved measurement of pre-existing giving, corporate growth by mergers and acquisitions, the launch of new multiyear funding initiatives, and more accurate valuations of pro bono services.
Reasons for Decreased Giving. Explanations for decreased giving were: a decline in noncash giving among manufacturing companies, a drop in matching-gift participation, a reduction in philanthropy budgets, and the conclusion of multiyear grant programs.
The Fortune 100. In terms of median total giving, the typical Fortune 100 company contributes $50.1 million, more than double the median value of other companies. Fortune 100 companies are likelier to have a corporate foundation, their community investment professionals are responsible for disbursing more funds annually, and a greater percentage of their grantmaking is targeted to international recipients.