A ranking of the 10 most civic-minded companies holds some surprises -- mainly that the list is dominated by financial services firms.
"International companies are contributing to the betterment of the cities in which they do business, focusing on programs geared to improving health, sustainability, transportation, education, and even urban planning in metro areas," writes Mary Jander.
"It's vital to stay local. While many big corporate donors also support broader causes, the value of visible giving in a city where business is important not only builds revenue, it attracts employees and builds political equity within the community. Improving the home city means improving the business conducted there."
"So which firms stand out in civic giving?... In some cases, the firms are surprising sources of urban improvement. Who would associate some of the most disgraced financial companies on Wall Street (or Bay Street) to provide some of the most effective help for inner city education?"
FULL STORY: Top 10 Civic-Minded Companies
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Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie