In 2025, Pride events across the U.S. are facing staggering budget shortfalls, with some losing up to 50% of their annual funds after a wave of corporate sponsors pulled out. From San Francisco to St. Louis, LGBTQ organizers are scrambling to fill gaps as big-name brands walk away from the very communities they once celebrated. San Francisco Pride lost $200,000. KC Pride in Missouri is also down $200,000.
And NYC Pride is trying to raise $750,000 to cover its deficit. Even Anheuser-Busch, which sponsored PrideFest in St. Louis for 30 years, pulled out, leaving a $150,000 hole. Many of these corporate exits come just as President Donald Trump continues to attack trans rights and dismantle DEI programs. Pride organizers say the timing sends a clear message. One confidential Executive Director source at a major US Pride has told Queer News Tonight that their corporate support is down 50% in 2025. Similar reports have been made to other LGBTQ outlets.
Suzanne Ford, executive director of San Francisco Pride, said,
“With everything we’re facing from the Trump administration, to lose five of your partners within a couple of weeks, it felt like we were being abandoned.”
Now, events are cutting costs—fewer stages, cheaper performers, no more free food for volunteers. In New York, spokesperson Chris Piedmont confirmed that about 20% of sponsors, including PepsiCo and Nissan, either reduced or pulled funding entirely. Some companies have returned with anonymous checks, wary of public backlash.
Some Pride groups are now actively distancing themselves from companies that abandoned DEI. San Francisco Pride cut ties with Meta. Twin Cities Pride cut off Target after it scaled back its diversity commitments. However, in the absence of corporate support, the LGBTQ community is stepping up. Twin Cities Pride crowdfunded $89,000 to plug a $50,000 hole. San Francisco raised $55,000 from local foundations.
Activists point out the problem is even more complex in dealing with cities’ support of Pride. Police, Fire and other costs have skyrocketed to put on parades, festivals and celebrations and some cities have suggested they have little desire to support community costs. Despite the challenges, Pride is still happening—and it’s as political, joyful, and necessary as ever.
