Maine Ranks One of the Most Charitable States in the US

Us Mainers have a lot to be proud of and as we approach the season of giving, we can now officially include our generosity to the list. According to WalletHub, when it comes to charity, Maine has earned the #4 spot among the most charitable states in the U.S.

According to the data WalletHub used, Maine ranks high in several areas that highlight our charitable spirit. I was not at all surprised to see our state stand out in volunteerism, which includes both the rate of participation and the hours donated by locals. Mainers contribute their time significantly, coming in at #6 in the nation for volunteering and community service efforts, showing just how much we prioritize helping our neighbors and giving back to the community.

Maine also performs well in other areas, such as the presence of non-profits and the amount of money raised per capita. While we may rank slightly lower in terms of the percentage of income donated, the residents here make up for it by giving a lot of their time and energy.

In 2023, charitable contributions in the U.S. reached close to $560 billion, with individual donors accounting for 67% of this total, as reported by Giving USA—a trend that’s clearly strong in Maine, too.

Additionally, local organizations such as food banks and animal shelters are active and numerous, making Maine a great place for people to find ways to give back in whatever way works best for them, whether through time or financial donations.

It’s pretty easy to feel Maine’s strong sense of community and commitment to volunteerism. That said, this report didn’t really surprise me but it was a solid reminder that residents here are committed to making a difference.