More Than Half of Companies Increased Philanthropy in 2008, Despite Economic Decline

New York, New York, June 2, 2009 — Today, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) shares a first-look at results from its annual philanthropy survey of nearly 140 leading companies, revealing that 53% of companies increased their total philanthropic donations in 2008, and 27% increased their giving by more than 10% year-over-year. Amid a challenging economy, business leaders continue to support their companies’ commitments to supporting their communities and advancing social and environmental programs around the world, further evidenced today as CECP presents the Excellence Awards in Corporate Philanthropy to two companies and one nonprofit.