SF Pride's Financials Still In the Red, In Part Due to City Revoking 150K Grant

SF Pride's financial outlook improved slightly, but the organization still faces a $180,000 shortfall after the City of San Francisco cut a key grant. Executive Director Suzanne Ford confirmed that while corporate sponsorship revenue remained stable, fees from parade contingents fell due to fewer companies publicly supporting LGBTQ initiatives. "We didn’t hit a home run, but we’re OK," she remarked, emphasizing the necessity of tough decisions moving forward. Major sponsors like Twilio, Yahoo, and Amazon continued their support, although notable local companies such as Meta and Google were missing from the parade. Supervisor Matt Dorsey acknowledged the critical economic impact of Pride events, suggesting that the city might find ways to bridge the funding gap.

Ford also mentioned that donations at the gate increased this year, while alcohol sales declined, reflecting a trend among younger consumers. The organization plans to adjust entertainment costs at the Civic Center Pride Festival to address the budget shortfall. Ford intends to advocate for continued city support, highlighting the event's value to San Francisco's economy.