Community Gifts raises money for 400-plus charities

The annual Community Gifts Through Harvard campaign has raised more than $600,000 via personal contributions from Harvard faculty, staff, and retirees. Over 400 charities, most in Massachusetts, were recipients of these funds.

Despite an uncertain economy, the giving total for 2009 rivaled that of 2008, which stood at $629,745. The final tally for donations in 2009 is $601,942.

Gifts for the United Way totaled $251,645, 42 percent of the gifts; while 58 percent, $350,297, went to other charities.

The charities chosen by employees that received the most funds included the United Way, Community Works, Doctors Without Borders, Rosie’s Place, Phillips Brooks House, Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, American Repertory Theater, Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts, Boston Center for the Arts, and Cooper Union.

“I believe that is a positive outcome given the uncertainty that everyone is experiencing in this economic environment,” said Mary Power, chief of community relations and executive director of community initiatives. “Harvard community members personally reaffirmed their support of the many local nonprofits providing important community services.”