The Givers

The Washington region is filled with business leaders and corporations that have made major contributions to nonprofit organizations and taken leading roles in civic activities. Companies from every sector -- finance, energy, accounting, retail, media, development, defense, high tech and many others -- spend considerable resources on charitable activities. Some companies adopt schools and provide tutors or collect school supplies. Others give millions of dollars to a range of nonprofit groups. Still others provide food for the hungry or medical supplies or clothing.

There are lawyers who represent the downtrodden and doctors who provide free medical checkups. Individual executives organize fundraising events, from charity balls to golf tournaments, and lobby for better education for children.

This issue is an attempt to look at a handful of executives who have put their own special unique imprint on their charitable activities. It explains their hands-on approach, the mistakes some of them believe they have made and why others think their efforts have been successful.