CFOs Say Charitable Giving Still Valuable

Compiled ByTonya Vinas Despite the rough waters many CFOs are treading these days, most feel that social responsibility programs still are important to companies, according to a survey by Robert Half Management Resources, Menlo Park, Calif. An independent research firm conducted the survey of 1,400 CFOs on behalf of Robert Half. Nearly one-third (31%) of respondents say social responsibility programs that support charitable giving are very important to companies. Forty-five percent feel the efforts are somewhat important. The remainder feel corporate giving is not very important or not important at all. "Philanthropic efforts help organizations give back to the communities they serve and reinforce their core values," says Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources. "Many firms and individuals look for evidence of good corporate citizenship when choosing whether or not to do business or accept a position with a company."