The Obama Foundation
Cultivating Future Leaders and Global Impact.
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Foundation Overview
Mission and Vision
The Barack Obama Foundation is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization established in 2014. Its core mission is to inspire, empower, and connect people to change the world. The Foundation focuses on cultivating civic engagement, fostering leadership development, and advancing President Obama's vision for a more hopeful and inclusive future.
Organizational Structure
Operating as a non-operating private foundation and a 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation is headquartered in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. It is dedicated to managing significant initiatives and projects that align with its overarching goals.
Founding Principles
Founded by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, the Foundation embodies their commitment to public service and global citizenship. It serves as the primary vehicle for their post-presidency activities, aiming for enduring impact.
Historical Context
Inception and Early Years
Established in 2014, the Obama Foundation officially launched its public presence with its inaugural summit in Chicago on October 31, 2017. This event marked a significant step in articulating the Foundation's post-presidential agenda and its commitment to fostering dialogue and action on critical global issues.
Leadership Evolution
The Foundation's leadership has seen strategic transitions to ensure robust management and execution of its ambitious projects. Initially led by figures such as Adewale Adeyemo, the organization is currently guided by Valerie Jarrett, who assumed the role of CEO, bringing extensive experience in public service and policy.
Financial Growth
Since its inception, the Obama Foundation has demonstrated significant financial growth, attracting substantial contributions. In 2019, the organization reported revenue of $143,158,266 and maintained an endowment of $429,545,259, underscoring its capacity to fund its extensive programs and projects.
Presidential Center
Vision and Location
A cornerstone project of the Foundation is the development of the Barack Obama Presidential Center. Planned for the Jackson Park neighborhood on Chicago's South Side, this center is envisioned as a dynamic hub for civic engagement, cultural enrichment, and historical preservation, serving as a landmark for future generations.
Architectural Design
The architectural design for the Center, developed by the esteemed firm Tod Williams Billie Tsien, comprises four distinct buildings. This complex is meticulously planned to integrate a museum, public gathering spaces, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, and an athletic center, creating a comprehensive community resource.
Development Status
Construction on the 19.3-acre campus is progressing, with projected completion in October 2025. The planning process has involved community engagement, addressing feedback to ensure the Center benefits the surrounding area and reflects the values of inclusivity and collaboration.
Key Initiatives
My Brother's Keeper Alliance
The My Brother's Keeper Alliance (MBK Alliance) is a vital program inspired by President Obama's initiative to address opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. It provides critical support through mentoring, education, and job training, recognizing communities that implement evidence-based practices to achieve six key milestones.
Girls Opportunity Alliance
Launched by Michelle Obama in 2018, the Girls Opportunity Alliance is dedicated to empowering adolescent girls globally through education. This program within the Obama Foundation works to ensure that girls have the resources and support needed to complete their education and pursue their aspirations.
Educational Support
University Partnerships
The Foundation actively invests in future leaders through scholarship programs. These include initiatives at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy and the Obama Foundation Scholars program at Columbia University, providing financial support and mentorship to master's students pursuing careers in public service.
Voyager Scholarship
In collaboration with Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky, the Foundation launched the $100 million Voyager Scholarship. This program supports undergraduate students committed to public service careers, offering financial aid, travel stipends, mentorship, and post-graduation support, fostering a new generation of change-makers.
Financial Overview
Revenue and Assets
In 2019, The Barack Obama Foundation reported significant financial standing, with total revenue reaching $143,158,266. The Foundation's endowment stood at $429,545,259, reflecting substantial financial resources dedicated to its mission.
Fundraising Milestones
The Foundation has achieved remarkable fundraising success, garnering over $1.1 billion since 2017. Recent reports indicate record fundraising years, with net assets nearing $1 billion, demonstrating robust support for its ongoing initiatives and the Presidential Center.
Connect
Headquarters
The Foundation's central operations are based in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, a location chosen for its significance and accessibility.
Official Website
For further information, official updates, and engagement opportunities, please visit the Foundation's official website at www.obama.org.
Tax Identification
The organization's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 46-4950751, a standard identifier for its non-profit status.
References
- Ways to Give – Obama Foundation. www.obama.org. Archived from the original on 2020-11-15. Retrieved 2020-11-14.
- 2019 Annual Report – Financials. www.obama.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2020-10-30. Retrieved 2020-11-14.
- Obama, opening his foundation's first summit, calls for fixing civic culture. Politico. October 31, 2017. Archived from the original on June 25, 2018. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
- Adewale Adeyemo appointed president of Obama Foundation. Nairametrics. August 7, 2019. Archived 2019-08-08 at the Wayback Machine.
- Sweet, Lynn (2020-12-07). Valerie Jarrett to lead Obama Foundation; Obama Presidential Center groundbreaking set for 2021. Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on 2021-01-06. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
- Obama Foundation, fueled by two mega-donors, has record fundraising year in 2022. Chicago Sun-Times. 2023-08-09. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
- Obama Foundation fundraising down in 2018, pay for top staffers went up. Chicago Sun-Times. June 28, 2019. Archived from the original on July 2, 2019. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
- Bowean, Lolly. Obama Foundation raised $165M last year toward Chicago presidential center, a drop from kickoff year. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2019-07-01. Retrieved 2019-07-02.
- Obama Foundation has its best fundraising year yet, with assets near $1 billion. Chicago Tribune. 2023-08-08. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
- Bosman, Julie; Smith, Mitch (May 12, 2015). Chicago Wins Bid to Host Obama Library. The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 25, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
- Bowean, Lolly. Obama Foundation delays presidential center groundbreaking until next year. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2021-02-26. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
- Professors Join Chorus of Opposition to Obama Foundation and Presidential Library. Nonprofit Quarterly. 2018-01-12. Archived from the original on 2021-01-26. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
- Rachel Hinton (March 1, 2019). A rare election-night loss for Obama: Voters back benefits pact for presidential center. Chicago Sun Times. Archived from the original on March 2, 2019. Retrieved March 1, 2019.
- South Side Voters Tell City Officials The Obama Center Needs A Community Benefits Agreement. Block Club Chicago. 27 February 2019. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
- Nelson, Tim (29 October 2019). The Obama Foundation Has Just Unveiled a New Set of Renderings of the Presidential Center. Architectural Digest. Archived from the original on 2020-11-28. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
- Sweet, Lynn (13 October 2023). Halfway built, the Obama Presidential Center is already a South Side landmark. Chicago Sun-Times.
- Bowan, Lolly (February 28, 2018). Obama Foundation announces new scholarships to groom leaders. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on March 11, 2018. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
- Sweet, Lynn (February 28, 2018). Obama Foundation: U. of Chicago scholars program; $4 million to cut youth crime. Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on March 15, 2018. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
- Chen, David W. (2018-06-28). Coming to Columbia This Fall, Obama Foundation Scholars (Published 2018). The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 2020-11-09. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
- Obama Foundation, Brian Chesky launch $100 million scholarship program. Philanthropy News Digest. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
- Meet the Inaugural Cohort of Voyager Scholarship Recipients!. obama.org. 12 September 2022.
- CBS Mornings (12 September 2022). Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
- Capehart, Jonathan (October 3, 2017). My Brother's Keeper forges ahead with Obama and despite Trump. The Washington Post. Archived from the original on May 15, 2018. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
- Horsley, Scott (December 26, 2016). Obama's Post-White House Plans Include My Brother's Keeper Effort. All Things Considered. NPR. Archived from the original on May 15, 2018. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
- Holly, Danielle (September 7, 2017). My Brother's Keeper Merges with Obama Foundation. Nonprofit Quarterly. Archived from the original on May 15, 2018. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
- Strunsky, Steve (May 10, 2023). Obama to recognize Newark as national 'model' for violence reduction. NJ.com. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- Model Communities. Obama Foundation. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- Kurtz, Judy (October 11, 2022). Michelle Obama kicks off Get Her There education initiative. KVEO-TV.
- Parsley, Aaron (February 17, 2022). Michelle Obama Tells Girls in Hawaii to Call Her 'Auntie' and Says She Likes Knitting to Manage Stress. People. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- Michelle Obama on "Imposter Syndrome," Empowering Young Women, and Her Own Role Models. Vogue. March 10, 2020. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
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Important Notice
This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes exclusively. The content is derived from a snapshot of publicly available data and may not be entirely comprehensive, current, or precise.
This is not professional advice. The information presented herein is not a substitute for expert consultation regarding non-profit management, philanthropy, or public policy. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance.
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