Donors gave $8.4 million last year to the foundation that is planning former President Bill Clinton’s presidential library, according to documents released Wednesday.
The William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation had $13.8 million in assets at the end of 2000, compared to $5.9 million in 1999. The 2000 figures were listed on a form the organization submitted to the Internal Revenue Service.
The figures do not include pledges, and the donors were not identified.
The foundation raised $3.1 million in 1999.
Congress is investigating whether library donations were linked to last-moment presidential pardons, particularly that of fugitive financier Marc Rich. Rich’s ex-wife, Denise, has donated $450,000 to the library foundation.
Marc Rich, who fled the United States in 1983 rather than face racketeering and other criminal charges, was pardoned by Clinton on Jan. 20–Clinton’s last day in office.
Foundation President Skip Rutherford said more than 60,000 people gave $1,000 or less. By contrast, the SBC Foundation, the parent company of Southwestern Bell, donated $250,000.
The foundation’s goal is $200 million for the library’s construction and endowment. Construction is to begin later this year and finish in 2004.
