Charitable Donations - Yes, We Can

Posted by Fundraising Pro on June 3, 2009

Christian fundraising and school fundraising groups can take heart. President Obama and his wife Michelle, last year donated 6.5 percent of their income to charity, according to figures the White House recently released.

Vice President Biden and his wife, Jill, donated less than 1 percent of their income to charitable causes, reported the Chronicle of Philanthropy in a summary of the White House data.

The figures come from the release of tax returns filed by the President and Vice President. The Obamas reported giving a total of $172,050 to charitable organizations. Their adjusted gross income last year was nearly $2.66 million.

The Obamas donated to 37 organizations. Their largest contributions were $25,000 to CARE and $25,00 to the United Negro College Fund.

The Bidens took a charitable deduction of $1,885. Their adjusted gross income last year was $269,256.

However, the Vice President’s office said that the Bidens also donated to their church, and that they contributed to their favorite charity causes “with their time, as well as their checkbooks.”

The tax return filed by the Bidens shows they made cash gifts of $1,335 to organizations whose names they did not disclose and $550 in clothing to Goodwill Industries.

Clearly, the President and Vice President are setting a good example for all Americans with their donations to charities and nonprofits. Now if only someone would approach them about purchasing a Samaritan Card, we’re certain they’d be happy to add the purchase price to their list of donations. Donors love the Samaritan Card, a wallet-sized discount card, because after only a few uses, it’s all ready paid for itself.