A non-traditional fundraising campaign

Because the Beat Museum is such a non-traditional organization, we have to think outside the box—and that includes how we fund our upcoming projects. It occurs to us there are a tremendous number of very successful, wealthy and "hip" people who dig what The Beat Generation was all about, and consequently appreciate the Beat Museum's efforts to continue that tradition. If we can organize a coalition of these people who could use a tax deduction,^* we might have a solution for the funding requirement necessary for the next three years.

Won't you join us?

• Fund a proven arts and literary experience.
• Your donation is tax-deductible.
• Help us make an international Beat Generation Conference a reality.

Check out the feedback from our 2015 Beatnik Shindig »

I was speaking with one of our friends in the arts who said to me, "If you can get five people to commit $10,000 a year for three years you can raise $150,000 to fund your program for the next three years. And sometimes all you need is for the first person to say they're "in" and other people will come along. I'll be that person." And thus was born The Beat Generation Conference Challenge.

Really? 5 people are going to commit $10,000 a year for 3 years?

Yes. And so far we've had magnificent success. We’ve already obtained three solid commitments. One person works in the movie business, one person is involved in leading-edge businesses, and one is an artist. We’ve been speaking to a fourth person, whom we're hoping will say yes next week. That leaves us only one short.

As mentioned, there are many wealthy and successful people who have been influenced by The Beat Generation. We know some of these people and are in the process of reaching out to them now.

Can you help us reach these celebrity Beat fans?

Below is a list of additional people who have been influenced by The Beat Generation who may or may not even know about The Beat Museum's Beat Generation Conference. I have to believe one or more of these folks would be willing to help us meet our goal if they only knew we were trying to contact them to support this effort.

If you know any of these folks, would you please bring this page to their attention:

• Johnny Depp
• Bob Dylan
• Van Morrison
• David Lynch
• Morrisey
• James Franco
• Katy Perry
• Paul McCartney
• Phil Lesh
• Sting
• Kristen Stewart
• Neil Gaiman
• Jann Wenner
• Jim Irsay
• Bob Weir
• Francis Ford Coppola
• Bono
• Kevin Nealon
• Philip Glass
• Daniel Radcliffe
• Viggo Mortensen
• Yoko Ono
• Russell Brand
• Tom Waits
• Penn Jillette
• John Waters

• You don't need to be a celebrity to participate. There are tech mega-millionaires all over San Francisco these days. Many of these people were drawn here because of the values of the Beat Generation. These people are the spiritual grandchildren of the Beats. Steve Jobs carried a copy of The Dharma Bums in his backpack when he was traveling India. Burning Man completely embodies the spirit of the Beats. Today's tech innovators are on a common thread that winds through the Hippies from the Beats. If you're a techie, you're likely in the Bay Area because of the Beat Generation—whether you realize it or not.
• If $10,000 is too much, smaller amounts will gladly be accepted: $1,000, $3,000 & $5,000 - these will all make a difference. We're looking for support on a variety of levels.
• If you decide to participate and prefer to stay anonymous, we will respect your wishes. We do not need to mention your name if that is your desire.

I can be reached at jerry[a]kerouac.com. Thank you!

- Jerry Cimino
Executive Director