On Thursday, SanJose.com reported that Queen Rania of Jordan will be receiving the James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award. The award is named for the former Chairman of Applied Materials, Jim Morgan, who was also the first recipient of the prize. Morgan was a humanitarian, and this is a tradition that he left with his company. On Thursday night Applied Materials was honored at the Corporate Philanthropy Awards for being the Silicon Valley company that donated the most cash, $5.2 million, to charitable causes in 2009. Other companies that donated significant funds to charity include Cisco ($4.7 million), Microsoft ($3.8 million), Wells Fargo ($3.76 million), and Intel ($3.7 million).

Three other companies were also singled out at the event, held at the Santa Clara Convention Center. National Semiconductor was cited for donating $1.2 million, half of which went to improve science education in local school districts. As a result of their donation, the percentage of fifth grade students who tested as proficient in science on statewide exams ballooned from 32 percent in 2008 to 79 percent in 2010.National Semiconductor also promotes science education in Malaysia and Scotland.

Swinterton was cited for its contribution of funding and over 2,000 man hours to develop a disabled-accessible playground in Fremont’s Central Park. The project, which was completed in conjunction with skater Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, features a wheelchair accessible slide.

The law firm of Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati PC, with local headquarters in Palo Alto and San Francisco, was recognized for the pro bono advice it offers to nonprofit organizations and indigent clients. The firm donated over 36,000 hours, estimated in value at over $14.3 million.
Read More at the Business Journal.