Obama Foundation

The Obama Foundation, officially the Barack Obama Foundation, is a Chicago-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) private foundation founded in 2014 by former U.S. President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. The foundation extends the civic spirit of the Obama presidency into long-term global impact, focusing on leadership development, youth mentorship, civic innovation, and creative problem-solving. Its mission is to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.

The foundation's most visible project is the Obama Presidential Center, an $800 million campus and museum under construction in Chicago's Jackson Park, designed as a hub for civic engagement and community connection. Other major initiatives include the My Brother's Keeper Alliance, which supports boys and young men of color, and the Girls Opportunity Alliance, led by Michelle Obama, which focuses on girls' education and empowerment worldwide. The foundation also runs leadership programs such as the Obama Scholars, Obama Leaders, and Obama Fellows programs, with the scholarship program in partnership with the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy.

Headquartered in Hyde Park, Chicago, the foundation operates globally. As of 2023, Forbes listed it among the 100 Largest U.S. Charities. The foundation has raised over $1.1 billion since its inception, with total assets exceeding $1.1 billion. Its CEO since 2021 is Valerie Jarrett, a former senior advisor to President Obama. [edit]

The Obama Foundation's mission is to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. It aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders, foster civic engagement, and support community-driven solutions to global challenges. The foundation focuses on three core areas: leadership development, community building, and civic innovation, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for young people and underserved communities. [edit]

The Obama Foundation was established in 2014, shortly after President Barack Obama left office, to continue the work of his administration in promoting civic engagement and leadership. The foundation's first major public event was the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit on October 31, 2017, held in Chicago, which brought together leaders from various fields to discuss ways to create positive change.

In August 2019, the foundation appointed economist Adewale Adeyemo as its first president, though he left in 2020 to become U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. Valerie Jarrett was named CEO in 2021. The foundation's flagship project, the Obama Presidential Center, broke ground in 2021 after years of planning and community engagement. The center is designed as a living museum and civic space, not just a repository of presidential records (which are housed in the National Archives).

Over the years, the foundation has expanded its programs globally, including the My Brother's Keeper Alliance, which was originally a White House initiative, and the Girls Opportunity Alliance. It has also hosted Democracy Forums convening young leaders from around the world. The foundation's financial growth has been substantial, with total assets surpassing $1.1 billion by 2023, making it one of the largest presidential foundations in the United States. [edit]