"Executive director asserts continuation of festival despite withdrawal of sponsorship by Google and Home Depot from Pride Toronto"
Facing Financial Struggles, Pride Toronto Loses Two Major Sponsors
Just days before the commencement of Pride Month, Pride Toronto is reeling from a double blow, as technology giant Google and home improvement powerhouse Home Depot have both pulled their support. Kojo Modeste, the organization's executive director, shared this unfortunate news with CP24 on the weekend.
This latest setback follows a string of sponsorship losses and funding reductions that Pride Toronto has experienced over the past few months.
- **** navigate the choppy waters of 2025 Pride Toronto Festival funding ***
Pride Toronto is now grappling with a budget shortfall of around $700,000, Modeste revealed, attributing the deficit to the recent corporate departures. This financing gap has forced the organizers to scramble for solutions in order to address this unforeseen challenge.
"Every penny lost directly impacts the programming we can offer. This affects our ability to hire artists, construct inclusive and safe stages, and provide a platform for authentic representation of 2SLGBTQI+ voices, particularly those from marginalized communities," Modeste explained.
Sponsorship withdrawals: A wake-up call for Pride Toronto
Modeste described the losses of support as an "unfortunate development that intensifies an already demanding year for us" and a "sobering reality check." The executive director first learned about Google's withdrawl on May 1, while Home Depot's decision was officially communicated on May 5.
No explanations were provided by either company as to why they were terminating their sponsorships, Modeste explained.
"They both pledged their involvement in the festival, offering verbal agreements. In one instance, they even penned a written promise. However, there were no signed contracts. Losing both these sponsors was indeed upsetting," Modeste shared.
Pride Toronto has a multitude of contracts with artists and vendors from Canada, so changes in the planning of the 2025 festival won't be substantial, Modeste noted, but things might look different by next year if this trend persists.
"We are guardedly optimistic that we can bounce back from this financial hit," Modeste said, suggesting that these shifts may be influenced by the political climate in the U.S. and President Donald Trump's administration's policies.
"Pride Toronto has weathered turbulent waters in the past, and we will rise above this. I want everyone to know that they can count on Pride Toronto for nothing but exceptional experiences," Modeste reassured.
In a statement issued to CP24, Modeste added that the organizations they considered allies to the LGBTQI+ community have shown signs of wavering under external political pressure.
"This is disheartening, not just for us at Pride Toronto, but for the communities we serve. In this moment, we are reminded of the importance of values-driven leadership. Pride is a beacon of visibility, equity, and justice – even when it's politically unpopular. We remain steadfast in our commitment to these principles, calling on our partners, both new and established, to stand with us without conditions," Modeste said.
City of Toronto Steps Up to Offer Additional Support for Pride Toronto
In a statement, the City of Toronto confirmed that it will provide $350,000 to Pride Toronto through the Cultural Festivals Funding Program (CFFP), representing an increase of $90,000 or approximately 35% from Pride's 2024 CFFP grant of $260,000.
Spokesperson Imane Boussaid highlighted that Pride Toronto will also be eligible to apply for the Special Events Stabilization Initiative (SESI) , which offers funding for safety, security, and production expenses. The City recently announced an increase in the SESI budget to $2.1 million in 2025, acknowledging the need for enhanced support for festival and event delivery safety. Applications for this grant will open in mid-June.
"Additionally, City staff will assist Pride Toronto in planning for a successful 2025 event. The City continues to advocate for increased backing from the private sector and other government partners, recognizing that the majority of tax revenue generated by such events goes to the provincial and federal governments," Boussaid wrote.
Pride Toronto's festivities kick off on June 1. Pride Month officially starts in Toronto on Monday with a flag-raising ceremony at Toronto City Hall, scheduled for 5 p.m.
"Our festival will proceed. While it may take on a different look in some ways, the spirit of resilience that drives us remains unwavering. I'd like to express gratitude to our sponsors who continue to support us – our evergreen partners, whose unwavering support is truly inspiring," Modeste said.
He also extended appreciation to the new sponsors who have rallied behind Pride Toronto during these challenging times, including The Ballroom Bowl, Freddie, SEIU, UBC Built, and Academy of Learning.
"Their unity underscores the importance of our cause and affirms that our community will never be abandoned," Modeste concluded.
[1] Pride Toronto faces another setback as two major corporate sponsors pull out just days before Pride Month beginshttps://globalnews.ca/news/8935604/pride-toronto-pride-month-sponsors/
[2] Home Depot and Google Drop Sponsorship of Pride Toronto 2025https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/home-depot-google-pride-toronto-2025-sponsorship-1.6109544
[3] Why Two Major Corporate Sponsors Pulled Out of Pride Toronto 2025 Festivalhttps://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2022/05/09/why-two-major-corporate-sponsors-pulled-out-of-pride-toronto-2025-festival.html
[4] Pride Toronto loses key sponsors amid pushback from conservativeshttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/pride-toronto-sponsorship-withdrawals-1.6109292
- The financial struggles of Pride Toronto continue to escalate as the climate of business and finance remains uncertain, with the recent withdrawals of key sponsors Google and Home Depot leaving a significant gap in funding.
- In the wake of these sponsorship losses, Pride Toronto is urging for greater support from allies and partners in both the private sector and government, acknowledging that external political pressure may have played a role in the recent departures.
- As Pride Toronto prepares for the upcoming festival, it looks towards general-news sources and various political arenas for potential solutions, with the City of Toronto stepping up to offer additional funding through the Cultural Festivals Funding Program (CFFP) and the Special Events Stabilization Initiative (SESI).
