After two months on the job as president and chief executive officer of the Maine Community Foundation, Meredith Jones is optimistic about the future of Maine's economy.

As president of the Maine Community Foundation, Jones has firsthand knowledge of the donors who want to share their wealth to benefit Maine and of the frontline agencies struggling to provide social services in an era of declining state and federal subsidies.

The Maine Community Foundation did very well in receiving new gifts last year, Jones said, adding that the organization received more than $19 million in new gifts and established 78 new funds in 2008.

Unlike a private fund, which involves a single donor, a community fund involves a community of donors.

While pleased that new gifts were strong last year, Jones is also acutely aware of the growing demand for help from nonprofit agencies.