Three days following the vibrant Pride parade, Suzanne Ford, the executive director of SF Pride, was left nearly voiceless after the whirlwind weekend of festivities.
Despite the joy of the crowds and record donations during the event, Ford revealed that the organization fell short of its fundraising goal.
The ambitious target set at $2.3 million was not met, leaving a gap of $180,000 that the organization needs to address.
“I don’t know if people understand how fragile it is,” Ford said, underscoring the precarious financial state of the nonprofit.
Even with a notable turnout at Civic Center, the financial struggles remain stark.
Ford expressed optimism, stating, “I can confidently say that we’ll live to fight another day.”
To secure that future, however, the team must cut costs, seek new partnerships, and engage in strategic discussions during their upcoming July 13 board meeting.
Fundraising challenges have compounded recent years of financial difficulty for SF Pride, as several major corporate sponsors have withdrawn their support and city funding has diminished.
The climate for the LGBTQ+ community has further intensified with ongoing threats to their rights from both state and federal governments.
While attendance at this year’s celebration seemed higher than last year’s, the atmosphere felt less vibrant, with attendees not indulging as generously in alcoholic beverages as previous generations.
“It’s very evident that younger generations don’t drink as much as my generation did,” Ford noted.
To address this, SF Pride partnered with community groups, such as the Gay Softball League, to manage bar service and share in sales revenue.
However, Ford remarked that despite their efforts, the financial outcome was still insufficient.
“It wasn’t the home run that we hoped for,” she said.
With necessary budget cuts on the horizon for next year’s festivities, Ford highlighted that the organization already operates on a lean budget, and rising inflation rates continue to strain their financial resources.
She compared their budget management to that of other events, stating that they have achieved significant impact for much less cost than similar festivals.
Although Ford intended to hire a development director to explore new funding avenues, concerns about the budget may delay this initiative.
This year’s Pride celebration has left a lasting impression, but as the excitement fades, Ford urges attendees to consider donating or encouraging their employers to become sponsors for future events.
“I plan to pack my schedule with meetings with businesses, foundations, and other nonprofits to keep telling the story,” she said, emphasizing the importance of Pride and the need for community support.
Her call to action is clear and urgent: “If you saw the value this year, then we’re going to need your help.”
As SF Pride gears up for the future, the message resonates through the community—the organization needs collective action to thrive and continue to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride.
image source from：sfstandard
