Efforts to establish a presidential library for former President Joe Biden are facing growing uncertainty as fundraising has fallen well short of what would be required to launch and complete the project, according to public filings and interviews with donors familiar with the effort.
Presidential libraries are typically multimillion-dollar undertakings, often requiring hundreds of millions of dollars to build, staff, and maintain. Yet documents and donor accounts suggest that Biden’s post-presidency fundraising has so far raised only a small fraction of that amount, raising questions about when — or even whether — a stand-alone Biden presidential library will ultimately be built.
A Costly Presidential Tradition
Since the modern presidential library system took shape in the mid-20th century, former presidents have relied almost entirely on private donations to finance their libraries and museums. While the federal government, through the National Archives, eventually oversees the records, construction and initial operations are paid for by donors.
Recent libraries — including those of Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton — required extensive fundraising campaigns backed by wealthy donors, corporate sponsors, and long-term institutional planning. By comparison, Biden’s fundraising effort appears to be moving more slowly than expected.
Donor Hesitation and Strategic Uncertainty
Several donors, speaking privately, said enthusiasm exists for preserving Biden’s legacy, but uncertainty remains about the project’s scope, location, and long-term vision. Some donors have reportedly taken a wait-and-see approach, citing concerns about costs, competing philanthropic priorities, and questions about how the library would distinguish itself from existing presidential centers.
“There’s respect for President Biden,” said one donor familiar with the discussions, “but donors want clarity — on the plan, the price tag, and the timeline.”
Unlike some recent presidential libraries that combined museums, think tanks, and community spaces, Biden’s project has yet to publicly outline a clear institutional model, adding to donor caution.
Questions About Timing and Viability
The fundraising challenges have led to speculation that the Biden library could face significant delays, be scaled back, or potentially be integrated into an existing institution rather than built as a fully independent complex.
Experts note that delays are not uncommon, but prolonged fundraising gaps can complicate everything from land acquisition to archival planning. Without a strong early financial foundation, projects often struggle to maintain momentum.
Supporters Urge Patience
Biden allies emphasize that presidential libraries are long-term projects, often taking many years to finalize. They argue that fundraising typically accelerates over time and that donor interest could grow as Biden’s post-presidential legacy becomes more clearly defined.
Supporters also point out that Biden’s decades-long political career — spanning the Senate, vice presidency, and presidency — represents a substantial historical record that will ultimately require preservation.
An Open Question
For now, the future of a Biden presidential library remains unresolved. While the idea is far from abandoned, the slow pace of fundraising has injected uncertainty into what is typically a signature project for former presidents.
Whether the library emerges as a stand-alone institution, a scaled-down center, or a partnership with an existing archive may ultimately depend on whether donors step forward in greater numbers — and whether a clearer vision persuades them to do so.
Trouble Raising Cash Leaves Biden Presidential Library Plans in Question
