Google gives $40 million to various causes

In its biggest single-day contribution ever, Google on Dec 14 announced it has handed out $40 million to battle slavery, promote education and make technology more accessible worldwide, with nearly a fourth of the money going to Bay Area organizations.

"The causes we are supporting are issues we've been committed to for a long time, particularly education," said company spokeswoman Kate Hurowitz, noting that about $9 million is being awarded to a dozen Bay Area groups. "It's really something the company cares a lot about from the top level." Altogether, she said, the search giant has contributed $115 million this year. Part of the $40 million is to promote the teaching of science, technology, engineering and math, and especially to improve the educational levels of girls in developing nations.