BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Corporate brand names often get the highest visibility as platinum donors or sponsors at charity events and other philanthropic endeavors.

But corporate giving makes up only 5 percent of all charitable giving in Maryland, according to the Association of Baltimore Area Grantmaker’s 2006 State of Giving Report.

These gifts can also boost employee morale and build brand loyalty.

“Leadership and inspiration must come from top management,” M&T Bank Vice President of Community Relations J. Michael Riley said. “The president of our Mid-Atlantic Division, Woody Collins, is an enthusiastic volunteer for numerous area charities, and he encourages all of us to contribute to the vitality of the community through volunteer time as well as financial support.” Riley chairs the division’s employee charitable contributions committee.

Constellation Energy focuses its giving on energy assistance, education, economic development and the environment, spokeswoman Kate Hopkins said.

“Over 40 percent of our employees volunteer on a regular basis for nonprofit service projects,” she said. “In 2006, the American Red Cross gave us an award for having the most successful employee blood drive program in Central Maryland.”

– Lindsay Stroh