By TRACEY DRURY
tdrury@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1609

Corporate dollars are an important part of the funding equation for the region's nonprofits, to the tune of millions.

The top corporate philanthropists in Western New York gave away more than $4 million to area charities, including more than $3.56 million in cash.

That's according to the Top 25 Corporate Philanthropists list, included in the All About Nonprofits publication, to be published Friday. This is the first year Business First has queried area businesses about their giving patterns.

First Niagara Bank is ranked No. 1 on the list with $1.8 million in gifts made in the region last year. The list also includes banks, large corporations and small businesses. Each reported total giving for 2010, as well as a breakdown of cash and in-kind contributions.

No. 2 on the list, with total giving of $600,000, was Bank of America; followed by Ingram Micro Inc., which reported total gifts of $300,000 in the region.

The All About Nonprofits special publication is included in the Nov. 4 issue of Business First for subscribers, and will be on sale at newsstands for $5.95. A series of stories with related charts and photos, including sortable databases, will also appear online at buffalo.bizjournals.com. Pre-order information is available by calling Karen Schiffmacher at (716) 541-1631.