Many of us in Maine are about to re-ceive a check from the U.S. government. ttIn Maine, 583,503 people filed individual tax returns. Fifty-nine percent of these filers will receive full rebates of $300 for individuals, $500 for head of households, and $600 for married couples. The total rebate pie in Maine comes to an astounding $165,248,050. If only one-third of the Maine rebate was donated to non-profits, Maine could make a $55 million difference to charitable organizations in the state. In New England the total amount could make a $500 million dollar difference.

For $600, we know that the Maine Children’s Alliance could help support expanding Cub Care health benefits to the 9,000 Maine Children who are not covered by health insurance.

For $300, we know that the Maine Humanities Council could provide 90 new books to adults learning to read through the “New Books, New Readers” program.

For $300, we know that the Maine Discovery Museum could provide 60 free passes to the museum. Or Bay Chamber Concerts could provide 45 tickets to a jazz or chamber music concert in Midcoast Maine.

For $600, we know that a food cupboard could purchase over 2,000 pounds of food from the food bank and distribute the food to the hungry.

The Maine Philanthropy Center and the Maine Association of Nonprofits hope you will consider investing your pending federal tax rebate in the work of community organizations across the state such as these. You can help make a difference with your donation of part or this entire tax windfall.

Through our work in the GivingMaine and Giving NewEngland project we see a growing gap between the needs nonprofits are asked to address in Maine and across the nation and the level of giving that can support their work. Recent research shows that Maine gives, on average, less than our counterparts in other states. This one-time tax rebate, if channeled to community work can help considerably.

This is an opportunity for all of us here to demonstrate our generosity. If you have not decided how to use your “found money” tax rebate, how about donating all or part of it to a nonprofit doing good work in your community or in our state? You can feed the hungry, help heal the sick or culturally enrich those in need, strengthen the arts and education for all or support neighborhood economic development and environmental quality. The range of ways to support Maine’s communities is great.

Your donation is up to you – just remember that this is an opportunity for you to really make a difference in our state. Your charitable generosity will be appreciated.

Alexandra Wolf Fogel, president of the Maine Philanthropy Center John E. Walker , executive director, The Maine Association of Nonprofits. For further information on this state and national effort contact: www.givingmaine.org or www.givingnewengland.org or www.donaterebate.org.