Revealed: The 75 most generous Washington state corporate philanthropists

MG2's Day of Giving initiative highlighted by the Puget Sound Business Journal

Whether donating time, services or dollars, executives know a crucial element to doing business in Washington state is maintaining an emphasis on corporate philanthropy.

The Puget Sound Business Journal tracks dollars donated in Washington state to compile an annual Corporate Philanthropy List. The information, collected through individual surveys, shows companies are supporting organizations and causes that align with their mission, they’re putting their expertise to use and they’re getting innovative with their giving.

The list ranks 75 businesses, based on three revenue categories, by cash-giving in Washington state. The list includes companies that have been often cited for this work – Microsoft, Boeing and Costco – but also small and medium companies such as Glassybaby, Kitsap Bank, Point B Inc. and MG2 Corp.

One thing many of these list makers have in common is that they aren’t just donating dollars. They’re donating time and expertise through dedicated days focused on giving back to the community.

BECU’s “Closing for Good” event involves closing down normal business operations, giving the credit union’s employees time to teach the importance of financial literacy to local high school students. Returning for its second run this year, this simulation gives students a crash course in the financial realities of adult life.

Glass votive-maker Glassybaby closes its stores and hot shops on its annual “Give Back Day.” The day provides an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the company’s giving partners and allows employees to see the impact of their giving.

Kitsap Bank hosts several annual volunteer days at organizations like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Kitsap County Fair and Stampede, and Point B has a decade-old partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in the fundraising cycling series Bike MS.

MG2’s Day of Giving creates opportunities for the architecture and design company’s employees who otherwise wouldn’t have the time for hands-on philanthropy. Throughout the year, every associate across the firm’s four offices dedicate a paid workday to a nonprofit of their department’s choosing which have included Vashon Island Food Bank, United Way, EarthCorps of Washington, Washington Trails Association, Food Lifeline, Low Income Housing Institute, Mary’s Place, Plymouth Housing and Nature Consortium.

The 75 corporate philanthropists will be recognized May 17 at the Puget Sound Business Journal’s annual Corporate Citizenship Luncheon and in a special report published in PSBJ. Check out the slideshow to see the corporate philanthropy list makers. The ranking will be unveiled in the May 19 edition.