Con or Bust helps people of color attend WisCon and other science-fiction/fantasy conventions that are committed to increasing racial diversity and understanding in science fiction and fantasy fandom and the field generally. Last year, its first, it helped eleven fans on rather short notice. It is currently raising funds in an online auction; bidding closes this Saturday, March 13, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.

Items up for auction include many rare, signed, or collectible books. Of particular note are the promise of an advance reader’s copy of Lois McMaster Bujold’s next Vorkosigan book, CryoBurn; an advance reader’s copy of Cherie Priest’s sequel to Boneshaker; and a signed, personalized first edition of Neil Gaiman’s Anansi Boys. Other offers are for food, jewelry — much of which will be custom-made to the winner’s request — and services like an original music composition or hilarious reviews of awesomely bad movies. There are also several ways to browse all auctions.

Check out the bidding instructions, and then go forth and bid! Non-auction donations are also accepted.

Con or Bust is administered by the Carl Brandon Society, a U.S. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and thus donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.