Pride Toronto Faces Funding Crisis: Major Sponsors Withdraw

Pride Toronto Faces Funding Crisis as Major Sponsors Withdraw Toronto, Canada – Pride Toronto, one of North America's largest LGBTQ+ festivals, is facing a financial crisis just weeks before its annual event. Several major corporations, including Google and Home Depot, have announced they will not be sponsoring the 2025 festival. This follows similar decisions by Adidas and Nissan earlier this year. The loss of these sponsors represents a significant blow to Pride Toronto's budget. Kojo Modest, the executive director, expressed concern about the potential impact on future festivals. "My major concern is what happens in 2026," Modest stated in a recent interview, highlighting the financial uncertainty facing the organization. While organizers insist the 2025 festival will proceed without major disruptions, the long-term implications remain uncertain. The loss of funding could lead to significant cuts to the event's programming and services in 2026. Home Depot, in a statement, explained their decision by citing a lack of agreement for sponsorship this year, while emphasizing their support for other Pride events across Canada. Google, a long-time supporter, confirmed that a group of their employees will still participate in the parade. Despite these challenges, Pride Toronto remains committed to celebrating LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion. The festival's resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the community's strength and determination.