As America continues to struggle with a sour economy, fund raisers are likely to be having a difficult time raising money from corporations. A new report says that about half of the companies responding to a recent survey are decreasing their giving.

Despite the news, there may be other ways for charities to work with companies. The businesses say they plan to step up other charitable efforts, like encouraging their employees to volunteer, says the report from LBG Research Institute, a nonprofit research organization in Stamford, Conn.

According to the survey, which polled 100 corporations or their grant-making funds nationwide, 52 percent of companies and 47 percent of corporate foundations say they are reducing their giving in 2009.

As dollars dwindle, the corporate grant makers say they are receiving more requests for money from charities. Seventy-two percent of the respondents say they are experiencing an increase.

The companies are looking for ways to assist nonprofit groups with noncash resources. Most companies — 84 percent — say they doing more to promote volunteering by workers, with almost 45 percent saying that more employees are participating in volunteer programs.

A smaller percentage of companies are providing more product donations, with 12 percent saying they are contributing more clothing, pharmaceuticals, and other items.

The report, “Making the Most of What We Have: Corporate Giving in the New Economy,” is available for $19.95 on the institute’s Web site.