A limited survey of how much money was donated to local charities by Bermuda-based companies during the past year has shown that 20 gave a combined total of $18.3 million.

That amount represents only a portion of the total amount given by on-Island companies either through direct donations or other offers of "in kind" assistance.

The total has been revealed by the Bermuda Donor Forum in its collective annual giving figures. It surveyed 23 companies and of those 20 reported donating in 2006. The collective sum of $18.3 million in cash was $5.8 million more than 2005 and the highest figure yet.

XL Foundation manager and Donor Forum chair Sonia Whayman said: "We are pleased with the information provided by our members, but no one in the corporate donor community should be particularly surprised by the numbers.

"Bermuda companies, both local and international, are well known for their generosity and commitment to the Island. This figure represents the total investment in our community of just 20 companies; we know there are many other firms who give back to Bermuda both in cash donations and 'in-kind' services, but we simply do not have access to this data."

The survey has also examines which sectors of the community have benefited through the donations. The largest portion of the money went to education, where more than $4m was directed.

Arts & cultural heritage received $3.6 million and human services and health $3.5 million.

Now in its fifth year, the Donor Forum offers its members a platform to share and discuss issues of common concern and interest, with a view to making better informed and impactful decisions around corporate philanthropy.

The Forum's members recently elected to merge with The Centre on Philanthropy, seeing benefit from the combining of resources to assist donors and non-profit organisations.

In a statement, the Forum said it continued to "seek ways to work within the community, always trying to find the best ways to channel their energy and funds."

Ms Whayman said: "The Donor Forum has always been closely aligned with the vision and mission of The Centre on Philanthropy. We have worked closely with the centre over the years on a number of projects. Having successfully completed a major transition over the last 18 months the centre is now well positioned to work with the Forum to enrich and support our community."

Centre on Philanthropy executive director Pam Barit Nolan, commented: "In 2005 we completed a strategic plan. The vision of this plan was to create a membership-based organisation through which all community members could work together to build a more caring and giving Bermuda.

"The Donor Forum will join the Nonprofit Forum and the Faith-based Forum in advancing The Centre's mission. We believe that working through the forums, bridges will be built, allowing these groups to work more effectively together.

The first joint initiative of The Centre on Philanthropy and the Donor Forum will be the "Giving in Partnership" conference on June 1-2 at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. The conference will provide educational and skill-based training to corporate donors, nonprofits and individuals.