Burning Man Lays Off Staff, Doubles 2024 Year-End Fundraising Target

Burning Man Project CEO Marian Goodell has called upon supporters to help the organization raise $20 million in donations by the end of the year.

By now, it’s no secret that Burning Man failed to sell out for the first time since 2011 this year. The annual arts gathering’s organizers have laid off members of its staff due to the shortfall, and they now aim to double its end-of-year fundraising target as well.

A blog post written by Burning Man Project CEO Marian Goodell goes into candid detail outlining its recent setbacks. It says that the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization started 2024 with $9 million in the bank — but lower sales of vehicle passes as well as tickets in multiple price tiers have led to revenue falling $8.7 million short of its target. As such, Goodell and company have called upon supporters to help it amass $20 million in charitable donations by the end of the year.

While the number is almost twice its initial target, it’s perfectly common for Burning Man to solicit donations on top of ticket revenue. According to Goodell’s call to action, the cost of running the 2023 event was $749 per participant despite main sale tickets costing $575 apiece.

“The world needs what we offer now more than ever,” Goodell wrote. “For us to continue to be this force for good, convening people in person, inspiring creativity and innovation, and storytelling in ways that spark change, we need your help to raise the funds needed to preserve Black Rock City as the vibrant heart of Burning Man, and to protect the culture with which the event is intertwined.”

Burning Man first took place in 1986 on San Francisco’s Baker Beach, organized by Jerry James and the late Larry Harvey. It relocated to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada in 1991 and has remained there ever since. All-in attendee participation and a wide variety of cultural offerings set the event apart from typical festivals.

For a closer look at the Burning Man Project’s financials, all publicly reported info is available on the organization’s Summary Financial Information page.