Wal Mart’s record in corporate giving is also quite amazing. Reports released indicate that for FYE 2009, it gave over $423 million in charitable contributions all over the world, an increase by $85.6 million from the previous year.

The economic crisis has not slowed down Wal Mart’s commitment to corporate giving; it has in fact bolstered it. Together with its partner (domestic and international) foundations, Wal Mart has advanced its commitment to programs addressing hunger, homelessness, joblessness, self-sufficiency, education and basic needs all over the world. Wal Mart believes that it is precisely during times of economic hardship that companies must step up and support those hardest hit by the crisis. The company asserts its responsibility to come up more effective ways to raise funds that can have a positive and lasting impact in the communities.

Wal-Mart’s community involvement year after year is remarkable. Education is a primary beneficiary of Wal-Mart charitable giving. WMF has donated at least $701 million to education charities since 1998. Each Wal-Mart store awards a $1,000 college scholarship to a qualifying high school senior. The company also has a commitment to the United Negro College Fund, pledging $1 million. Wal Mart sponsors the Competitive Edge Scholarship, which makes four-year scholarships –– each worth $20,000 –– available to students pursuing technology-related courses. This year, the company gave the Institute for Higher Education Policy a grant worth $4.1 million.

A breakdown of Wal-Mart’s largesse for 2009 include: more than $378 million in cash and in-kind donations from its US-based stores, $45.5 million cash and in-kind gifts and donations from its international stores, more than $106 million raised through in-store giving program benefiting local charities. This totals a global contribution of nearly $530 million for the FYE 2009. Wal Mart’s in-kind donations include providing meat, agricultural produce and other foodstuffs donated to US food banks.

Wal Mart continues its partnership with nonprofit organizations to address hunger, disasters, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. It gave over $248 million to local and national charities including $5 million for YouthBuild, $4.7 million for Children’s Miracle Network, $3 million for The Salvation Army, and $3.4 million for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Moreover, company volunteerism runs high. Wal Mart’s workforce and associates in the US contributed more than one million volunteer hours, a milestone to encourage increased community service.

Alice Walton, daughter of Sam Walton, works closely with the Walton Family Foundation (where she serves as a board member) and their philanthropic endeavors. Alice, born into an environment where philanthropy was championed, currently spearheads the Foundation’s involvement with Crystal Bridges, a museum of American Art. The museum is dedicated to American artists, and strives to be a place of learning within the community. The heart of the art collection at Crystal Bridges will include works donated by Alice Walton and the Walton Family Foundation, as well as gifts, loans, and donations from other private collectors. Alice Walton‘s philanthropic ventures are reflective of those of the Walton family and the Wal Mart corporation.