Inaugural Donation Minimum Dropped

The inauguration of President-elect George Bush, billed as the most open inaugural celebration ever, is now open to contributors who want to give less than $100,000.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Tuesday that it has dropped a $100,000 minimum requirement covering private donations for inaugural activities ranging from galas to children’s festivals.

“The committee simply never anticipated the number of people or corporations that would want to participate . . . at various levels. We’ve been overwhelmed,” committee spokesman Ed Cassidy said.

More Free Events

Organizers of the Bush inauguration have said it will have more free events and include more of the public than any previous inauguration, reflecting the wishes and style of the Bush family.

Time pressure prompted the initial decision to limit donations to $100,000 or more, Cassidy said. He said that accepting smaller amounts would have been too complex from an administrative standpoint.

At this stage, he said, “preparations are well under way and initial financing has been secured; our goal is to enable as many other individuals and corporations to participate as possible.”

The $100,000 minimum on private contributions had been criticized as giving wealthy corporations a way to curry favor with the incoming Administration. The private donations are not tax-deductible.

There is no disclosure requirement for private donations, and inaugural officials have said they do not plan to release detailed lists of contributors.

Linked to Specific Activities

Cassidy declined to say how many corporations and individuals were seeking to contribute less than $100,000 or what the lowest offer had been. Contributions must be linked to specific inaugural activities and events.

In a related matter, Cassidy said that the committee has reached its goal of $20 million in guaranteed loans. About 200 corporations and individuals have put up $100,000 apiece under that program, which is designed to secure up-front operating money for the committee.

The interest-free loans will be repaid after the inauguration from private donations and proceeds from the sale of souvenirs and tickets to balls, dinners and other activities.