Just read this in MaineBiz:

Report: Maine philanthropy has grown
Maine philanthropy has increased dramatically in recent years, according to a new report from the Maine Community Foundation and the Maine Philanthropy Center.

“Giving in Maine: A Report on Philanthropy 2008″ found that individual giving has grown sevenfold over the last 22 years, from $67 million to $482 million. The report also says 27% of Maine estates over $1.5 million donate to philanthropic causes, versus 20% nationally, and total giving and average giving by individual Mainers has increased 25% over the last five years.

The state’s charitable foundations are strong, according to the report, with assets almost doubling over the last five years, to $1.5 billion, and giving increasing by 74%.

The economy hasn’t been great here in Maine. But our residents are growing in generousity!

I hope that’s encouraging as we navigate our current economic waters.