The Centre on Philanthropy has extended the period during which companies have been asked to provide information for the Island's first Donor Directory, a compilation of Bermuda companies that make charitable donations.

By this week, just 25 responses had been received from a mass mailing to 800 known and potential donors.

The deadline was previously November 7, but project chairman, Heather Conyers, has conceded that some companies may simply need more time to complete donor forms that will constitute the basis of their page in the directory.

Bermuda has historically been blessed with a charitable community of individuals, local and international businesses. But donations have always been on virtually an ad hoc basis.

The proposed directory is designed to bring more harmony and order to the philanthropic exercise.

Apart from disclosing for charities sources of potential fund raising, the directory is designed to make submissions to potential donors more "user friendly''.

President and CEO of Heddington Insurance Ltd., Jennifer Cartmell is heading a corporate lobby that wants to see the first directory published by February.

In explaining to other corporate leaders by letter last month why their support for this project should be forthcoming, she said, "It will ensure that funding requests are submitted to you on time and directed toward your areas of specific interest.'' She stated, "Your page in the directory will describe the scope of your funding, your standards, proposal guides and tips.

"Whatever the size of your programme, whether you are a company, a trust, an individual donor or a fund-raising organisation, you will receive recognition as a contributor to the community.'' Ms Cartmell said that the directory comes at the request of several Bermuda companies and will be created by a joint effort of the Centre on Philanthropy and a group of volunteers, that include representatives from major corporate donors.

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