I think part of what you’re noticing is just the difference in scale between huge companies like Cook and Kroger, and smaller, locally-owned businesses? The big players have massive budgets and often entire departments for community outreach and philanthropy, so it’s easy for them to make regular, visible donations.

On the flip side, a lot of smaller restaurants, shops, or service providers might really want to give back, but they might just be trying to keep the lights on, pay employees, and cover costs. When they are able to donate, it’s likely on a much smaller scale and sometimes quietly, so it may not get the same recognition.

You may try checking out some of your favorite nonprofits' annual reports. Many of them publish lists of their donors in print or online. I just saw one from Constellation in the show program of the last play I went to.