Blows to corporate earnings are likely to be felt in Arkansas schools, hospitals, social services, the arts and other non-profit endeavors. Non-profits are hoping the moment will pass quickly, and they're grateful for those companies that, in preparation for lean times, have created charitable foundations, or otherwise stick to their commitments. A total of 922 state businesses, a small percentage of the state's total, responded to the survey, and not all of them would reveal the amount they gave, so the figure's a minimum. The deepest pockets, it's also safe to say, provide the most, especially if they're in suits worn by utility officers and bankers. The Wal-Mart Foundation, ranked the No. 1 charitable company in a 1999 national public opinion poll, promotes an enormous amount of philanthropy, matching funds raised by its employees and using its stores as collection points.
New business equals new customers.
But education and civic organizations are the biggest winners, according to the Arkansas Community Foundation's just-released Corporate Contributions Survey. The company promotes that state of mind with its Acxiom Cares community volunteers. I think philanthropy is an attitude which needs to work in all economic climates. Acxiom has not suspended its applied research program that funds university research at the University of Arkansas, UALR and in Memphis. The Nature Conservancy of Arkansas, a non-profit conservation organization, reaps astonishing benefits from corporate giving.