April 16, 2008
Barack and Michele Obama Donated 5.7% of Income to Charity in 2007
By Grant Williams
Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate, and his wife, Michelle Obama, have released their tax return for last year showing that they donated 5.7 percent of their income to charitable causes.
The tax return shows that the Illinois senator and Mrs. Obama, who reported $4.2-million in income, gave $240,370 to 33 churches and charities in 2007.
Senator and Mrs. Obama made their largest gift, of $50,000, to the United Negro College Fund. They gave $35,000 to CARE, the international relief organization, and $26,270 to Trinity United Church of Christ (whose pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. has made headlines for controversial sermons).
Twenty-two organizations received $5,000 gifts from the Obamas, including the Boys and Girls Club; the Central Illinois Food Bank; the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault; the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans; the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance; and the United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area.
Last month, Mr. and Mrs. Obama released general information about their giving in 2007 and their tax returns dating back to 2000 that showed their charitable contributions had increased over the past three years, when the senator and his wife were making more money and he was beginning to run for president.
In 2006, the Obamas gave $60,307 to charitable organizations, or about 6 percent of their $991,296 in total income that year.
In 2005, the Obamas reported total gifts of $77,315, or about 5 percent of their total income of nearly $1.7-million.
From 2000 through 2004, the Obamas’ total income was much smaller, ranging from $207,647 in 2004 to $275,123 in 2001. During this five-year period their charitable giving represented about 1 percent of their total income.
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These are far better contributions. Decent, honest and transparent. We all know who Rev. Wright is. No need to point it out to us in ( )!! Why do you not mention the number of members of this church and the percentage of white members? That is something not all Americans know. The Clinton’s are funneling their income through his Foundation. All 501 ©3 Foundations are required by law and the IRS, to have full accsess to the Foundation records.They have to be avaiable to the public. Mr. Clinton’s remark that his donors where kept priviate, needs to be brought to the attention of all Americans, through the media.
Why is the media so afraid of Bill Clinton? Is he that powerful NOW? Then, we can really see what Hillary and Bill are up to behind their dark and decitful veil.
A powerful miner in Canada purchasing all the major uraniam for one.
Nice brokerage job Bill!!
We know you got a healthy 30 milion dollar donation from that deal.
— Whitewater was kindergaren.... Apr 17, 05:06 PM #
I think it outstanding that the Obama’s gave to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. This goes to the heart of Barack’s convictions that he not only speaks about publically, but is also apparent in his autobiography. His larger donations to other organizations should not overshadow his committment to homeless veterans, because we all know as fundraisers that larger donations happen with larger asks.
— Joe Gonzales Apr 18, 10:05 AM #
No politician, despite the totally unvetted Obama,(I have not decided which candidate I prefer) is immune. Obama earmarked a significant tax payer gift to his wife’s employer hospital in Chicago. Not cool. And, there is legitimate and valid reason to look at his commitments to organizatonis that espouse the kind of retoric that does not inspire Hope in anyone — only fear. This goes to issues of descretion and judgement — as does his intent to “meeet with anyone” on the global stage. Not cool, no savvy. there is reason for all of us to pause here.
— Diana Apr 18, 11:38 AM #
Am I the only one who realizes that every donee was selected with the full knowledge and intent that its identity would be revealed with the tax returns are released? All donees was selected to demonstrate the candidate’s concern for one constituency or another.
— Big Al Apr 18, 11:42 AM #
As a Liberian, I think that giving to such causes, as the Obamas have done over the years speaks volumes in terms of their commitment to lifting the burdens of life for others. If they can do so in lower social life, I think they will do even more magnanimously when Americans give them the Oval Office in Washington – that greatest office on planet earth.
Let Americans give them the chance and I am sure much greater things would follow.
So far, so good – the choice of America is the choice of the world.
Monrovia, Liberia
— Gbawu F. Woiwor Apr 22, 04:28 AM #
And how much did Billary Clinton contribute and to whom? I don’t think they donated just so we could see who they donated to. Then why have they donated time and money over the past 20+ years???? Because they’re good, honest people, that’s why!
— Missy Apr 29, 09:44 PM #
So the Obamas donated about 5.7% of their income to charities when they were making multi-millions. I would hardly consider that philanthropic, especially when the Clintons donated over 15% in the past 8 years.
What’s embarrassing, even offensive, is that the Obamas donated less than 1% of their income to charities when they were making 200-300k per year. Yes, they were making less, but they were still making more than 98% of Americans at the time. The average American makes about 40k per year, and manages to donate twice what the Obamas did, about 6% of their income. This is evidence of just how out-of-touch, cheap and selfish the Obamas are. I seriously doubt they donate out of the goodness of their hearts, but are a lot less selfless than that. It’s obvious that they didn’t make charitable contributions, but rather, they were buying a presidency.
Shame on them.
— Dan J May 4, 12:05 PM #