BOSTONInsurer Liberty Mutual Group Inc., already one of the largest supporters of nonprofits and community groups in the Boston area, has announced it will significantly increase its charitable giving in Massachusetts this year.

The only Fortune 100 company based in Boston says it will increase local donations by about 20 percent to $17 million from $14.2 million last year.

Several other companies with a large presence in Massachusetts, including Bank of America and John Hancock Financial Services, said they will keep local charitable giving at about the same levels as 2011.

Melissa MacDonnell, director of Liberty Mutual's philanthropy programs, tells The Boston Globe ( http://b.globe.com/R7q8GG) that the company "cares deeply" about the community.

Liberty Mutual just renewed its sponsorship of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular with a three-year, $8 million deal.

Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/globe

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Boston-based Liberty Mutual ups charitable giving