In 1994-95, as Russian companies began to make huge profits, thanks partly to huge tax loopholes, they also began making donations to charitable or civic associations, concentrating mainly on social support groups. Their motives included the fear that large numbers of disgruntled poor or socially deprived people could form the base for the next revolution, and shame at the corrupt ways they had amassed large amounts of cash. Over the next two years, however, the situation changed as tax laws were tightened. Companies had to think about every ruble they gave away. Western companies in Russia give for the publicity it can generate.
Russian companies are the opposite.
They often want to be anonymous, and divide their giving between sponsorship and charity. Most banks in Moscow have set up charitable departments and, once they can reconcile the concept of giving with their business preoccupations, bankers can be generous donors. The feel-good factor applies. They come back to their roots by giving. It helps them be like their family and old friends, not just moneymakers.