In 1989 the leadership of San Diego Pride envisioned a model of organizing and fundraising that, in addition to supporting our own events and programs, could turn a profit to be returned to our community. We began giving out grants in 1994 and have since become one of the most philanthropic Prides in the world; we have given out over $3 million to LGBTQ-serving organizations locally, nationally, and globally.
COVID-19 and the temporary loss of in-person events devastated our ability to generate revenue from the annual Parade and Festival. Our volunteer-led model and solid financial planning gave us stability, allowed our programs to continue, and this year we were able to return to a full-scale Pride! Not only did you all return in record numbers to celebrate, we’re happy to announce that our community grant program is back and open for applications!
I truly can’t thank you all enough for investing in our organization, making donations, helping us find sponsors and grants, attending our events, and volunteering your time. By supporting San Diego Pride’s tentpole events and year-round programming you are ensuring we build capacity for our community and movement here at home and around the world. Our stability is here thanks to all of you and the foundational work and vision of folks like Christine Kehoe, Neil Good, Tim Williams, Larry Baza, Vertez Burks, Joseph Mayer, and so many more who wanted to ensure Pride was even more than an inspiring celebration, that together we can invest in our community’s ability to pursue Justice with Joy.
With Pride,
Fernando Z. López
Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Executive Director
San Diego Pride
P.S. You can support San Diego Pride’s year-round work by becoming a monthly sustaining donor. Learn more about our Ambassador of Pride program here.
San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.
