Jazz Winnipeg is asking for the public’s help to keep the festival going after a major sponsorship has ended. The organization has launched the “Bridging the Gap” fundraising campaign, which aims to raise $200,000 after TD Bank ended its longstanding sponsorship of the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival this year. “For more than 35 years, Winnipeggers have helped build something special,” said Jazz Winnipeg executive director Angela Heck in a statement. “They’ve filled our stages, volunteered their time, discovered new artists and made the festival part of this city’s cultural life. “We’re asking for the community to help us through an important transition so we can keep creating those experiences for years to come.” The money raised will allow Jazz Winnipeg to have time and stability to diversify its funding and develop new partnerships. The campaign runs until the end of the year. In June, the organization marked its 35th festival, welcoming more than 24,000 attendees across 55 shows in the city. In addition to donations, the organization is hosting a fundraising concert on Dec. 11, 2026. More information can be found online. In a statement, TD Bank spokesperson Mick Ramos confirmed the decision, saying the company is transitioning its support to a broader range of festivals and events in Manitoba. “We regularly review our sponsorship portfolio to ensure our current commitments are aligned with our evolving priorities and where we can deliver the most value,” Ramos wrote.
