The Delaware Pride Festival is expected to be the largest in its 28-year history, despite losing major sponsors like DuPont and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. The festival’s organizers say they have lost about $20,000 in sponsorships, a significant blow given that the event costs $35,000 to produce.
The loss of corporate funding is attributed to a backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, which has led to a national trend of companies pulling out from Pride events. The San Francisco Pride Parade has also seen major sponsors like Comcast and Anheuser-Busch withdraw their support this year.
However, smaller donors have stepped in to help overcome the shortfall. Discover (now Capital One) has returned to sponsoring the festival after not participating in recent years, while other major corporate sponsors like BayHealth, WSFS Bank, and Highmark are also on board.
The organizers of WorldPride, an international Pride festival and parade held in Washington, D.C., this year, report receiving about $6 million in corporate sponsorships, half of what was originally expected. Some sponsors have even donated covertly, not wanting their brand named or promoted.
A survey by research firm Gravity Research found that 39% of companies plan to reduce Pride-related engagement this year, while 61% cite the Trump administration as a top reason for rethinking Pride strategies. Executives blame conservative activists and GOP policymakers close behind.
Despite the financial challenges, organizers say the community is coming together to support each other. Smaller donors have stepped in to help raise money for the festival, using online platforms like delawarepride.org/donate.
The trend has raised questions about who really cares about supporting Pride events and who doesn’t. “This forces community to support each other,” said one organizer. “As queer people, we’re used to this – we’ve done this before.”
Source: https://eu.delawareonline.com/story/news/2025/06/03/lost-sponsorships-account-for-57-of-delaware-pride-festivals-budget/83885488007