TORONTO — The organization behind Toronto’s Pride events is facing an uncertain future with a six-figure funding gap after losing major sponsors, but says this year’s festival won’t look any different.
Kojo Modeste, Pride Toronto’s executive director, said Wednesday that the festival faces a $900,000 shortfall that is likely to impact next year’s programming.
“I can assure the public that there will be no noticeable differences in the parade, in the festival throughout the month. However, if we do not get the support that is needed, 2026 will be the festival that will be mostly impacted,” Modeste told a news conference.
The funding gap is largely due to corporate sponsors pulling their support for the festival, said Modeste, along with the rising costs of running the June events.
Modeste said some sponsors are not returning as American companies move away from diversity, equity and inclusion efforts that have been under attack by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
“We believe that there is a direct connection between policies that we see coming out of the White House and the organizations that are pulling out," Modeste said.
Google, Nissan, Home Depot and Clorox are among the corporations that have decided not to contribute funds this year, although Google employees are still planning to walk in the Pride parade on June 29, Modeste said.
Nissan Canada said in a statement that its decision not to sponsor this year's festival in Toronto was solely based on its "marketing priorities and budget evaluation for the new fiscal year" but the company remains committed to promoting an inclusive culture.
Modeste was not able to say which programs might have to be cut next year given the funding shortfall, but said Toronto will see a “smaller Pride.”
“One hundred per cent, Pride will look a lot smaller. We would not have the same impact, both financially and culturally, that we normally do.”
Pride Toronto said it doesn't want to put on a scaled-down festival at the risk of losing its status as one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world that also gives the local economy a strong boost.
“Many folks from across the globe come to Toronto because it is a safe space and what we will be doing is taking away an opportunity for folks to be their authentic self away from them. So I'm hoping that we don't have to get there,” Modeste said.
While some sponsors are walking away, Canadian brands including Shopper’s Drug Mart and No Frills have stepped up. In addition, Pride Toronto said they have received donations from around 175 people totalling close to $10,000.
In April, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced Pride Toronto as a multi-year recipient of the Cultural Festivals Funding Program, allocating $350,000 for the organization. Modeste said this funding is “going to go a long way,” but is asking for contributions from other levels of government as well.
“What we need to see is the province and the federal government taking lead from the city and following up and also providing some support,” said Modeste.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2025.
Vanessa Tiberio, The Canadian Press
