A comprehensive survey is being done to examine philanthropy on the Island for the first time.

The Centre on Philanthropy, with support from the Donor Forum, have started The Giving Survey, which will gather a complete picture of charitable donations in 2005.

The survey will examine the level of donations and distribution of funds as well as the level of satisfaction with donations.

Executive director for The Centre on Philanthropy Pamela Barit Nolan said the study would enable the Centre to identify areas for collaboration and education. It will also outline where and how corporate funds, time and resources are being dispersed

She said: “The Centre also believes that the study will assist the grant-making community to be more effective as the study may identify community needs that are not currently being funded.

“This type of data has been collected periodically by some membership organisations, but this will be the first time that a comprehensive and collaborative research project on this topic is completed in Bermuda.”

KPMG managing partner Steve Green said the firm looks forward to reviewing the final results.

The survey is being done by Total Marketing & Communications Limited.

A company spokesman said: “All information collected will remain strictly confidential, no individual participants will be identified and only the results will be shared with companies participating in the survey.”

The Centre of Philanthropy, a registered charity, is committed to supporting Bermuda’s charities in their provision of services and programmes to the Bermuda community.