Recently, an article in The Chronicle on Philanthropy reported that charitable giving nationwide was down for the first time in 12 years. With continuing economic uncertainty, the common view is a gloomy one for this year's "season of giving."Contrary to this perception, philanthropy is alive and thriving in our region. Pittsburghers from all walks of life, not just the area's most affluent, are giving back to the community and the causes they care about most.

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Particularly during these tough times, giving a little can mean a lot.

Last year, Squirrel Hill resident Leo Castagnari set up the Castagnari Family Charitable Fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation with a gift of $10,000. The fund was established just before Leo's mother passed away. "I was very proud to inform her about the fund. There is no question that the $10,000 used to establish the fund was, and continues to be, the best money I ever spent. I created the fund to honor my parents and the strong message of community involvement and charity that was instilled in us. I came from a blue-collar background. My family could not give money so they gave time. Fortunately, I am in the position to do both. By naming my nephew as successor adviser to the fund, I'm also ensuring that our family will continue to have an impact on the quality of life in Western Pennsylvania for years to come."

To Castagnari, philanthropy is much more than writing a check. "I have the opportunity to learn about the arts, human services and economic development through site visits and other donor events. My involvement with The Pittsburgh Foundation has given me the sense that I can truly make a difference through informed philanthropy."

Since it was established the Castagnari Family Charitable Fund has made grants to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Persad Center, Leadership Pittsburgh and the Good Grief Center. Especially significant to Leo was a recent grant recommended from the fund to the New You program at the American Cancer Society that provides support to women who have undergone cancer treatment.

Giving back to the community, honoring a loved one, creating a lasting legacy, learning about the needs of the community -- these are some of the many reasons cited by those who have chosen to become our local philanthropists.

Jo and Vince Donatelli of Regent Square also have established a fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation. According to Jo Donatelli: "We have donated to many causes for years. But at this point in our lives, we wanted to be assured our charitable giving would continue long into the future, through an endowment fund. When we learned that the money we donated stayed in the community where we live, we found this a perfect way to give to our favorite charities."

The Vincent Donatelli Family Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation was established in 2001 with an initial gift of $11,000. Each year the Donatellis donate appreciated stock to their fund as part of their estate planning process. On special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, they ask their children to make donations to their fund in lieu of gifts.

The Donatellis have given to a number of local charities, but in recent years the donations have gone directly to projects that focus on children and seniors, areas of particular interest to the family. Grants have gone to Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, Sisters of St. Joseph, Peace Camp, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, as well as their local parish and parish food bank in Swissvale.

During difficult times, it is important to remember that philanthropy isn't for just millionaires. Every gift can make a difference. Castagnari agrees. "Each time I recommend a grant, I envision one person who is able to eat a healthy meal, get comfort from knowing the experience of others with chronic illness or understand they are not alone in the grieving process. I guess we help our community by helping one person at a time."

The philanthropic tradition of this region is one of its greatest assets, and one that deserves more recognition locally. It is the individual philanthropists, many of whom go unnoticed, who make Pittsburgh a better place for all of us. They deserve recognition, particularly during this season of giving.