News Updates
Updates posted throughout the day.

Philanthropic giving rises in Maine

By Portland Press Herald Staff Report March 26, 2008 03:39 PM

Philanthropic giving by Maine people and charitable foundations has increased rapidly in recent years, according to a new report published by the Maine Community Foundation and the Maine Philanthropy Center.

Among the findings in Giving in Maine: A Report on Philanthropy 2008:

  • Individual giving has multiplied more than seven fold in the last 22 years, from $67 million to $482 million.
  • In the last five years, both total giving and average giving by Mainers has increased 25 percent.
  • In 2005, 27 percent of Maine estates over $1.5 million included a philanthropic contribution compared to 20 percent nationally.
  • More than 165,000 households filing taxes in Maine claim a charitable deduction.
  • Maine charitable foundation assets have nearly doubled over the last five years, from $800 million to $1.5 billion, while giving by them has increased 74 percent.
  • Eighteen of Maine's largest 20 foundations were created in the past 25 years.

    • "Philanthropy in Maine is strong, diverse and gaining ground, but its potential to have an even greater impact is evident," said Maine Community Foundation President Henry Schmelzer.

    The report provides an overview of the impact of philanthropy in Maine using data from the Internal Revenue Service, 20 of the state's largest foundations and nonprofit organizations, including Maine's United Ways.

    Click here to view the report.


    Reader comments

    Click here to view or add comments on this story