Augusta National Golf Club announced today it will give more than $3.4 million to various charities. In the past 12 years, the Masters Tournament has contributed more than $39 million to deserving local charities and the game of golf.

"It has always been, and will continue to be, a priority of Augusta National and the Masters to give back to the game of golf and the local Augusta community," Augusta National and Masters Tournament chairman Billy Payne said in a prepared statement. "In these difficult times, this obligation is more important than ever as we strive to positively affect the lives of people around the world."

The Community Foundation for the CSRA will receive a $1.5 million gift. Included in this gift is the first $500,000 installment of a $3 million pledge to the Salvation Army's Augusta-area Kroc Center. A share of the total gift also includes $250,000 earmarked for charities selected by Augusta National's employees. To date, The Community Foundation for the CSRA has received more than $15 million in contributions from Augusta National and the Masters.

As a Founding Partner of The First Tee, the Masters continues to support this national youth development program with a $1 million gift, having provided more than $12 million to the organization since 1998.