The Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy Leads Celebration of International Corporate Philanthropy Day

New York, Feb. 23, 2009 — Today leading companies and organizations around the world celebrate International Corporate Philanthropy Day, a day designated to showcase strategic corporate philanthropy initiatives and encourage further cross-sector partnerships in support of social and environmental causes. Building upon the tremendous success of a national celebration of corporate giving in prior years, the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP) is proud to launch a global effort in 2009 to engage more business leaders in the day’s activities.

Each year, companies mark this day with special programming at their offices and in their communities. Charles Moore, executive director of CECP explains, “This is the time for corporations to demonstrate that community investments are core to their businesses. The world is waiting to see what will happen to corporate giving during these tough economic times. Global leaders have the option to either take action now, or allow the ‘headlines’ to be defined for them.”

Philanthropy is no longer a discretionary expense – business executives realize that investing in their communities means investing in the long-term success and sustainability of their businesses. This trend is evidenced by CECP’s 2008 “Giving in Numbers” report, which found that among companies with decreased pre-tax profit in 2007, 57% still increased their giving. Philanthropy programs are investments in the future: for a company’s employees, its communities and for the business itself. Corporate giving yields the greatest social and business benefits when funding is predictable and sustainable which is even more critical in an uncertain economy.

Corporate giving executives from GE, General Mills, IBM, Moody’s, and NetApp will ring The Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange to kick off International Corporate Philanthropy Day. Additional companies which will mark the occasion with specific programs include: Cartier, Credit Suisse, Gap, Roshan, and State Farm, among many others.