Since the days of the Gold Rush, the Mechanics' Institute has supported the artistic and educational needs of the Bay Area. Literary giants such as Gertrude Stein, John Muir, and Jack London to industrial pioneers like Andrew Smith Hallidie and Domingo Ghiradelli to chess masters like Emanuel Lasker to people just like you have all called MI home. Open to all since our founding, the Mechanics' Institute remains integral to San Francisco's cultural and social future.
New books are waiting to be added to our shelves to inspire readers. More scholars and authors are being scheduled to visit and share their thinking on subjects relevant to you. Children are eagerly anticipating the annual scholastic chess tournament and their weekly chess classes. Your support of the Mechanics' Institute helps us be a leading cultural center that connects people with knowledge, creativity, and one another.
Donations to the Mechanics' support our programs and services, including free chess classes for 500 children each week, 3,000 new items added to the library collection each year, and over 70 annual speaker and film events. Gifts also help us maintain our landmark building.
There are many ways for you to make an impact on the Mechanics'. We need your help. Thank you in advance for helping us to ensure the Mechanics' will be here for future generations!
Annual Fund
Support the ongoing operations of the Institute with a donation toward our annual fund.
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Leadership Giving
From receptions with guest authors to private classes to personal venue space and more, take advantage of special experiences while supporting the Bay Area's literary arts scene.
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Corporate and Foundation Giving
Become a corporate or foundation partner today. Our institutional partners demonstrate their leadership and philanthropy in the community.
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James Lick Legacy Society
Help ensure the Mechanics' future and become a member of our James Lick Legacy Society by including us in your estate plans.
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Special Projects
The Mechanics' offers several opportunities to designate your gift to a specific program or project.
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Please use the form below to make a donation. Feel free to contact Development Director Jessica Neaves about donating at 415-393-0115 or through this webform.
Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Our Tax ID is 94-1254644.
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