FAQs

The Obama Presidential Center will be designed by award-winning firm Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners, with Chicago firm Interactive Design Architects (IDEA). Learn more about the team  here (Opens in a new tab) .

The Obama Presidential Center will be located on Chicago’s South Side in Jackson Park.

The campus will include a free observation deck; a branch of the Chicago Public Library; an auditorium; children’s recreation areas and a sledding hill; new walking and biking trails; a public plaza for community gatherings, performances and celebrations; and a program, activity, and athletic center.

The Obama Presidential Center will be paid for and managed by the Foundation. A substantial number of the records and artifacts on display will be on loan to the Foundation by NARA, allowing visitors to engage with presidential items as they do at other NARA-run presidential museums.

The Foundation is humbled by the community’s enthusiasm and support for the Presidential Center. The Foundation has already engaged community leaders and looks forward to expanding the conversation. In the meantime, you can submit thoughts and ideas by filling out the form on our homepage or emailing info@obamapresidentialfoundation.org.

The Obama Foundation will be responsible for all aspects of the building, construction, design, and planning processes for the Obama Presidential Center. The University of Chicago first proposed locating the future Center on the South Side. As a future neighbor and collaborator on the Center, the University has pledged staff time and expertise to the Foundation for its planning work and will provide temporary office space off campus for the Foundation.

The Foundation is at the beginning of a process to identify academic institutions, thought leaders, community partners, and other organizations with which the Foundation will partner to advance its mission.

The Foundation intends to maintain a presence at Columbia University for the purpose of exploring and developing opportunities for a long-term association. In addition, the Foundation will work with the state of Hawaii to establish a lasting presence in Honolulu. Within Chicago, in addition to its association with the University of Chicago, the Foundation also plans to collaborate with the University of Illinois – Chicago.

The Obama Foundation will raise all of the funds needed for construction of the project; neither taxpayer funds nor university funds will be used in the construction of the Obama Presidential Center. Once completed, the Foundation will provide NARA with an endowment equivalent to 60% of the total cost of all portions of the facility transferred to NARA. The Foundation will be responsible for funding and operating the rest of the Center.

The Barack Obama Foundation has been recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service; donations are deductible as charitable contributions.

In addition, the Foundation discloses all donors and donations over $200 on a quarterly basis. The disclosures are made public on this website.

Yes. When accepting payments The Barack Obama Foundation and its vendors adhere to the standards set by PCI-DSS as managed by the PCI Security Standards Council, which is a joint effort of brands like Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover to protect cardholder data through encryption and strict access controls. The Foundation and its vendors perform regularly scheduled reviews to confirm adherence to these standards.

Contributions to The Barack Obama Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Upon completion of your donation, we will send an email donation receipt and a thank-you letter as your official record. Please save or print the emailed receipt or your thank-you letter for your financial records, as it may be useful when completing your tax return. The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization: # 46-4950751.

In February, sustainers making ongoing monthly contributions will receive a letter summarizing their prior year of donations if they reside in the United States and provided a mailing address. Please email  donate@obama.org  (Opens in a new tab) or call (844)-310-0900 for all other donation receipt inquiries.  

A donation receipt will be sent to you at the email address you provide with your contribution. You will also receive a thank-you letter with your gift details. Please be sure to keep a copy of your receipt or thank-you letter for your financial records, as it may be useful to you for tax purposes. In February, sustainers making ongoing monthly contributions will receive a letter summarizing their prior year of donations if they reside in the United States and provided a mailing address. Please email  donate@obama.org (Opens in a new tab) or call (844)-310-0900 for all other donation receipt inquiries. 

To cancel your recurring donation , send a written request to donate@obama.org (Opens in a new tab) . Please be prepared to provide the following information to locate your donation: your full name, mailing address, date of donation, and how you contributed (mail, door, online, phone, etc.).

If the recurring contribution was made in error or due to fraud, we will refund up to the previous three months' donations. Please note that initial recurring gifts are non-refundable.

To modify your monthly contribution or update your contact information, please:

• Visit your donor portal at donor.obama.org/login (Opens in a new tab) . Please note that if you're a first-time supporter, it may take up to a week for your portal profile to be created.

• Call us at 844-310-0900

• Email us at donate@obama.org (Opens in a new tab)

The Obama Foundation relies on donations to sustain the next generation of changemakers and inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. We are grateful for the individuals who share our passion for a better tomorrow and financially support the Foundation. 

Donations to the Obama Foundation are only refunded in exceptional circumstances, such as administrative error or fraud. In the case where the Obama Foundation determines a refund is appropriate, we will refund your donation to the original payment method. If you believe the Foundation has made an error in processing your donation, please contact us at donate@obama.org (Opens in a new tab) with the following information:

• Your full name

• The email address you provided when making your gift

• Mailing Address

• Date and amount of your gift 

• The payment method of gift. 

If a recurring contribution was made in error or created due to fraud, we will refund up to the previous three months' donations. Please note that initial recurring gifts are non-refundable

Please direct any questions or concerns regarding your donation to donate@obama.org (Opens in a new tab) or (844)-310-0900.

The Obama Foundation’s membership program is your invitation to deepen your commitment to our shared mission—to inspire, empower, and connect rising changemakers all year long.

As a Founding Member , you’ll join a community of people who believe in building a more equal, inclusive, and hopeful future. Your ongoing support fuels this work every day—and in return, you’ll get meaningful opportunities to see the difference you’re making.

Membership is about purpose. Here’s what you’ll enjoy:

• Early Access: Purchase Obama Presidential Center Museum tickets two weeks before the public.

• Curated Content Enjoy exclusive stories, behind-the-scenes updates, and powerful reflections that connect you to the work you’re making possible.

• Sustained Impact Your membership fuels this shared mission every day—supporting year-round programming, community partnerships, and the next generation of changemakers. Thank you! 

• Exclusive Events Be part of Member gatherings and special virtual experiences that bring our shared values to life.

• Shop Discounts: Save on merchandise that represents the movement you’re helping lead.

• Shape the Future Share your ideas in member surveys and feedback sessions to help guide our programs and engagement—online and onsite at The Center.
  
  When you become a Founding Member, you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with others committed to advancing lasting change. Learn more and sign up here !
  

Membership does not include admission to the Obama Presidential Museum, which will be the main paid experience at the Center. We’re proud to be more than a cultural institution—we’re a community-driven nonprofit committed to connection, learning, and action. That’s why most of what we offer at the Center’s campus, including some community events, educational programs, and public spaces, is free and open to everyone.

By becoming a Founding Member, you join us in championing radical accessibility—ensuring that cost does not prevent anyone from seeking inspiration, knowledge, or a sense of belonging. Your support extends far beyond the Center’s walls, fueling programs that inspire, empower, and connect changemakers locally in Chicago and across the globe. Learn more about The Foundation’s programs here !

Every gift matters, and Membership drives lasting change.

As a Founding Member, your ongoing support powers our shared mission—to inspire, empower, and connect changemakers every day.

Membership means you're shoulder-to-shoulder with a community committed to building a more just and hopeful future. It’s about consistently showing up, deepening your impact, and creating meaningful change, one person, one opportunity at a time. This is how we build progress that lasts—together.

Your support goes directly where it’s needed most: powering our core programs, expanding impact, and strengthening the infrastructure that allows us to serve our communities. We are committed to transparency and will keep you connected to the impact of your generosity—through participant stories, virtual gatherings, and regular updates that highlight the difference you’re making.

Contributions to The Barack Obama Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Upon completion of your donation, we will send an email donation receipt and a thank-you letter as your official record. Please retain this gift acknowledgement for your records. The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization: EIN 46-4950751.

If donors making recurring contributions reside in the United States and have provided a mailing address, they will receive a letter summarizing their prior year of donations in February. For all other donation receipt inquiries, please email donate@obama.org or call (844)-310-0900.

The length of your active membership depends on how you choose to support The Obama Foundation: through a Sustaining Membership (our most common) or a One-time Membership gift.

• Sustaining Membership: If you chose an ongoing membership—monthly or annually—you’re part of a continuous commitment to The Foundation’s mission. Your support helps keep programs running, brings the Obama Presidential Center to life, and empowers leaders to create positive change in their communities. To update , pause , or cancel your membership at any time, email donate@obama.org (Opens in a new tab) , call (844)-310-0900, or manage your contribution through your donor portal via donor.obama.org (Opens in a new tab) .

  • Annual, Ongoing Membership: Your membership will automatically continue each year during your month of expiration at your current contribution amount. You’ll receive a confirmation of your upcoming renewal via email 30 days before the renewal date. When your membership renews, your membership card and acknowledgment letter will be sent to the email and/or mailing address you provided.

  • Monthly, Ongoing Membership: Your membership will automatically continue each month at your current contribution amount, on the date of your initial gift. Annually, you’ll receive a new membership card at the email and/or mailing address you provided.

• One-Time Membership: If you joined with a single gift during a campaign or appeal, we’ll send you a friendly reminder before your membership expires so you can easily decide whether to continue your support. Your membership will last until the anniversary of your gift date.

By staying active as an Obama Foundation Member, you’re helping drive meaningful impact every day. Your ongoing involvement ensures The Foundation can continue inspiring, empowering, and connecting the next generation of leaders. Thank you!

Not just yet—but we’re working on it! We love that you want to share The Foundation’s mission with someone special, and we look forward to offering gift memberships in the future. Stay tuned for updates as our program grows.

In the meantime, you can honor someone meaningful by making a gift in their memory or in their honor here .

No tiers—just one united Membership. Every Member receives the same core benefits with a contribution of $75/year or more, or through your most generous monthly donation. Our approach is about inclusivity and shared values.

Looking to deepen your commitment? The Obama Foundation offers additional giving opportunities for supporters who want to do more. We’d be happy to help you find the perfect fit—just email us at donate@obama.org .

As a member, you’ll hear from us regularly with inspiring stories showing the impact you’re helping create. We’ll invite you to special experiences and give you a peek behind the scenes so you can see exactly how your support makes a difference. Plus, you’ll have opportunities to share your thoughts, get involved, and connect with others who share your passion. Check out the full perks of membership here .

Absolutely! You’re always in control. You can update, pause, or cancel your Membership anytime by contacting us at donate@obama.org (Opens in a new tab) or through your donor portal (Opens in a new tab) . If you're a first-time supporter, it may take up to a week for your portal profile to be created.

Please note: To ensure changes take effect before your next scheduled payment, please make updates at least 5 business days before your upcoming gift. Membership benefits remain active only while your Membership is active.

We’re deeply grateful for your support and commitment to our shared mission—every contribution, no matter the amount or duration, makes a difference for our shared mission!

From time to time, we celebrate the amazing community supporting our mission by sharing the names of our Founding Members—usually just first names and last initials—in stories, testimonials, or thank-you features. We always do this in accordance with our Terms of Service (including our Submissions Terms ) and Privacy Statement , and only if appropriate releases or permissions are in place.

If you have any questions about privacy or how your name is shared, simply reach out to us at donate@obama.org (Opens in a new tab) .

The Museum is set to open in 2026, and as a Founding Member, you’ll get exclusive early access to purchase tickets starting two weeks before they’re available to the general public. We’ll send clear instructions on how to receive and redeem your tickets directly to the contact information you’ve provided over email. Keep an eye out so you don’t miss your chance!

Not at this time—the Obama Presidential Center is open and welcoming to everyone. Our membership benefits focus on special updates, events, and ways to connect, but the Center itself is for the whole community to enjoy.

You can become a member with an ongoing contribution starting at $5/month. This helps us keep administrative costs low, so more of your gift goes straight to supporting our shared mission. That said, we encourage you to give what feels meaningful to you—because every dollar, big or small, powers the impact of The Obama Foundation and The Obama Presidential Center.