Aug 9
Palm Springs Pride 2025 to Proceed Despite $325,000 Funding Shortfall
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The Greater Palm Springs Pride organization announced today that the 2025 Palm Springs Pride celebration will proceed as scheduled, undeterred by a significant $325,000 shortfall in anticipated sponsorship and funding. The announcement comes at a time when Pride organizations across the United States are experiencing similar financial challenges, often attributed to shifts in the political landscape and a decrease in corporate support .
Despite these headwinds, Palm Springs Pride organizers have reaffirmed their commitment to delivering the vibrant and impactful event that the community has come to expect. The four-day festival, which remains free to attend, is expected to attract over 200,000 participants and contribute an estimated $35 million in economic impact to the Palm Springs region .
Organizers attribute the funding shortfall to the current political environment, which has led to a notable decrease in sponsorships and corporate support for Pride events nationwide. This trend is not unique to Palm Springs; Pride celebrations across the country—including those in St. Louis, New York, and Texas—have reported similar sponsorship withdrawals, making resourcefulness and community support more crucial than ever .
Ron deHarte, President of Palm Springs Pride, emphasized the significance of community resilience in the face of these challenges. “The long struggle for LGBTQ+ rights is knocking at our door again. It is vital that we stand together and show the world that our community is strong and our fight for equality continues. This is our moment to create our path forward and fight for equality,” deHarte stated .
Since its inception in 1986, Palm Springs Pride has grown to become one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in California, known for its inclusivity and commitment to honoring the struggle for equality . This year, despite financial constraints, organizers are determined to maintain this legacy, ensuring that the festival and parade remain deeply meaningful and accessible to all.
Attendees can expect some adjustments to the festival format in light of the budget shortfall. While specific changes have yet to be detailed, organizers have pledged to prioritize the safety and enjoyment of all participants. The festival’s core mission—honoring the LGBTQ+ community’s history, celebrating its diversity, and advocating for its future—remains unchanged .
With fewer corporate sponsors, the organization is calling on individuals and local businesses for support. Community donations will be vital in bridging the funding gap and ensuring the success of the event. Contributions are tax-deductible and can be made directly via the official Palm Springs Pride website (www.pspride.org), or by participating in the annual Equality Walk, presented by Silvercrest .
Organizers stress that every donation and show of support sends a powerful message: the LGBTQ+ community stands resilient in the face of adversity. “Pride is people. Pride is people in the community," deHarte noted in an earlier interview. "And the small fraction of corporations that may be changing their course; that does not reflect pride organization across the country. It's the community that keeps organizers from worrying. Local businesses have been one aspect of consistency for the event” .
For nearly four decades, Palm Springs Pride has been a beacon for LGBTQ+ visibility, celebration, and activism. Past events have not only brought together tens of thousands of attendees each year but have also served as platforms for honoring the community’s history, from commemorating the Stonewall Uprising to memorializing victims of anti-LGBTQ+ violence .
This year’s festival aims to continue that tradition, even as it adapts to new realities. Organizers are confident that, with the support of the community, Palm Springs Pride 2025 will remain a powerful expression of solidarity, resilience, and joy.
As Palm Springs prepares to welcome over 200,000 visitors for its annual Pride celebration, the spirit of resilience and unity is more evident than ever. Organizers invite everyone—residents, allies, and visitors alike—to join in standing up for equality, honoring the past, and shaping a vibrant future for the LGBTQ+ community .
