Winners:

Best place to make a difference

• Harborview Medical Center
• Premera Blue Cross
• Verity Credit Union

It makes us happy to know that we have so many great non-profits in our area. And Harborview Medical Center, the King County-owned, University of Washington-managed hospital, led our voting with comments such as this: "We care for all people the same, giving excellent medical care whether you are homeless or a wealthy sports hero." Employers at health care favorite Premera Blue Cross mentioned how each year an internal committee sits down to decide which charities and special projects the company will help out. And over at Verity Credit Union, employees are offered hourly pay (and sometimes overtime) for participating in community service.

Honorable mention:

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
When it comes to philanthropy, few organizations compare to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. With 300 employees and a $31.9 billion endowment, this is one company making a difference in the world in a staggering way. Locally, they're dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk children and families; globally, they're fighting AIDS, poverty and hunger.