Calgary Pride is asking the public, local businesses and corporate partners for support as the organization faces “significant financial pressures” that could put its future at risk. The group aims to raise $250,000 in the coming weeks to help deliver the 2026 Calgary Pride Festival and stabilize its finances for the years ahead. In a news release, Calgary Pride says it will be unable to continue operations beyond the 2026 festival and parade if additional funding is not secured. It cites an increasingly difficult funding environment as grants become more limited and competitive. It also points to rising costs tied to creating safe, accessible and inclusive spaces for Calgary’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community. “Last year, we started to see declining support, so we budgeted accordingly and prepared for a decrease, but the drop has been catastrophic,” said co-chair Riley Sogge in the release. “This year, we’re not only experiencing financial strain. We’re also feeling the impact of declining support, which is a reality for many queer organizations across the province and the country.” Similar challenges have been reported elsewhere. Pride Toronto recently said it is facing a $700,000 deficit ahead of it’s 2026 festival despite changes to its programming and structure. The organization also posted a $900,000 shortfall in 2025 as grant money dried up and corporate partners pulled back on supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Calgary Pride says it has already adjusted its budget and modified how the festival is delivered in an effort to remain sustainable, but continues to face significant financial headwinds. Measures taken include reducing costs, revising future programming and reviewing its organizational structure. The group has also cancelled post-Pride events, including Indigo Nights and its inaugural gala. It also says no additional programming is planned beyond Pride Week. Calgarians can support the organization through direct donations, purchasing Calgary Pride 50/50 tickets and other contributions.
