Corporate giving rises sharply

Charitable contributions by American companies are rising sharply, according to a report released Monday by the Conference Board, a business research group. Companies in the United States gave an estimated $3.8 billion in 1984 (the most recent figures available), up some 15 percent over '83. Businesses are giving not only cash but, increasingly, property and equipment (up 200 percent over the '83 level), securities (up 100 percent), and products (up 150 percent), the Conference Board said.

Education remains the leading area for contributions, followed by health and human services. More corporate funds are going to civic and community activity organizations, however; these activities have been hard hit by federal budget cuts. Culture and the arts ran fourth.