Monday, Februrary 22, 2010   Philanthropic Spirit Alive and Well Within Wisconsin Corporations   Each February a spotlight shines deservedly on those who go above and beyond "business as usual" to truly make a difference in the communities they serve. Today, on International Corporate Philanthropy Day 2010, the citizens of Wisconsin have many companies to be thankful for.   Despite sluggish sales and shrinking profits, data from the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy indicate that the private sector is increasingly committed to giving back. Over the past three years, total giving as a percentage of pre-tax profit has risen by nearly 35 percent. In addition, those who are able have significantly increased their non-cash charitable contributions (up 29 percent on average) to compensate for any decrease in financial support.   According to the Donors Forum of Wisconsin's publication Wisconsin State of Philanthropy Report 2009 Wisconsin corporations have combined assets of nearly $806 million and gave out nearly $92 million in grants in 2008. However, corporate foundations do not represent the entire scope of charitable giving from the corporate sector. Corporate giving programs outnumber corporate foundations and add an additional $50 million in corporate grants distributed in 2008 in Wisconsin bringing the Wisconsin corporate grants total to $142 million. In addition to the monetary contributions made by corporate foundations and giving programs, corporations often make in-kind gifts of their company's products or services to the nonprofit organizations they support.   These contributions speak to the numerous grants, matching gifts, sponsorships, scholarships, products and pro bono services provided by businesses for the common good. They represent our corporations' desire to transform communities and lives, making Wisconsin a place we can all be proud of. In addition to these dollars, we are also blessed with a talented cadre of corporate volunteers, which serves nonprofits and our communities through service delivery and board representation. With these human and financial resources, our companies tackle big challenges and make things happen in response to community needs.  Whenever a homeless family finds shelter and food, an at-risk youth is paired with a mentor, an early childhood exhibit goes on display, teens leave school with basic personal financial management skills, or a symphony takes the stage, chances are Wisconsin companies are involved. For this, our businesses deserve our thanks and respect. They remain reliable corporate citizens and partners, regardless of our economic climate.       Deborah Fugenschuh President & CEO Donors Forum of Wisconsin   Donors Forum of Wisconsin is a membership association serving the state's funders, including 31 of the leading corporate foundations and giving programs.