By Adey Abebe
St. Pete Pride is working to raise $289,000 after facing a funding shortfall caused by declining corporate sponsorships and other financial pressures. The organization is looking for new ways to raise money as pride organizations across Tampa Bay adapt to changes in business support.
“We saw a drop in sponsorships this year,” Trent E. Brock, president of St. Pete Pride, said. “Sponsors either reduced the amount of money that they were giving our organization versus previous years, or they decided to pull out completely.”
Brock said several factors contributed to the funding shortfall. Some companies reduced their donations, while others stopped sponsoring the organization altogether. He also pointed to Florida Senate Bill 1134 and the uncertainty it created for businesses interested in supporting LGBTQ+ organizations.
However, Brock said the legislation was not the only reason companies reduced their contributions. Some businesses were dealing with their own financial difficulties, while others were trying to manage rising costs.
“Everyone, every company, is really stretching their dollar as far as they can, and they may not have the dollars available to give to St. Pete Pride,” Brock said.
Change in Tampa Bay
Businesses across Tampa Bay have also become more cautious about publicly supporting LGBTQ+ organizations. Rene Cantu, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, said companies have started reconsidering how they support these organizations because of the current political climate.
“What we are seeing is that there is a shift in events and organizations that are being supported by the corporations just because they want to be really careful about how they’re doing these things,” Cantu said.
Cantu said some companies have continued supporting LGBTQ+ organizations but have asked that their logos not be included in event promotions. He said visible support from businesses isstill important for LGBTQ+ organizations and their work.
“We have to be visible. We have to have visible support from large companies, small companies, individuals, so that we can continue doing this work,” Cantu said.
Pride events also boost the Tampa Bay economy. Cantu said St. Pete Pride is the largest Pride festival in the Southeast and attracts visitors who support local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. He said maintaining these events helps show visitors that the area welcomes everyone.
Tampa has experienced changes in its Pride celebrations. Last spring, Tampa Pride announced that it could no longer host upcoming celebrations because of the political climate and economic pressures. A new organization, Pride of Tampa, later stepped in to organize celebrations for the community.
Daniel Johnson, president and founder of Pride of Tampa, said the organization relies heavily on community fundraising rather than corporate sponsorships. Its fundraising efforts include events such as queer bingo and performances by local LGBTQ+ entertainers.
Johnson said the organization also tries to keep its events affordable by carefully managing expenses. For its Taste of Pride fundraiser, local restaurants provide food while the organization pays for the venue, DJ, and entertainers.
“Spend less, do more,” Johnson said.
Looking ahead
Although St. Pete Pride is facing a significant funding shortfall, Brock said the organization is already looking ahead to its next celebration. It plans to continue reaching out to sponsors, encouraging individual donations and finding ways to manage expenses.
Cantu said the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber has also worked to connect businesses with LGBTQ+ organizations. One example is Pride Connect, an event organized with St. Pete Pride that brings businesses and community members together. The event allows organizations to build relationships and find new ways to support one another.
Johnson said he believes community members and organizations will continue working toward a better future, even as LGBTQ+ communities face challenges.
“There are so many people out there fighting, so many nonprofits, so many government officials that are on your side, and people, everyday people, that are trying their best to make a difference,” Johnson said.
The challenges facing Pride organizations have changed how they raise money, but that has not stopped them from finding ways to bring their communities together. From St. Pete Pride’s efforts to secure future funding to Pride of Tampa’s community fundraising events, local organizations are continuing to find support beyond traditional corporate sponsorships.
For Brock, the goal remains making sure Pride has a place in St. Petersburg.
“St. Pete Pride in 2027 is not canceled, and it never will be,” Brock said.
