Nashville Pride launches urgent fundraising campaign amid ‘historic’ $250,000 shortfall

Organisers of Nashville Pride, the largest LGBTQ+ celebration in Tennessee, have launched an emergency fundraising campaign following a “historic” financial shortfall of $250,000 (approximately £197,000) that threatens the future of the annual event.

The shortfall stems from a series of unexpected setbacks, including a dramatic 40% drop in sponsorships - some withdrawn mere days before the festival - alongside soaring security costs, last-minute medical support cancellations, and severe weather that slashed attendance by over 15,000 people.

In response, the nonprofit behind the festival has unveiled the #SaveNashvillePride campaign, aiming to raise the full amount by National Coming Out Day on 11 October. The funds are critical to ensuring the sustainability of the festival and its year-round programming, which serves thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies across Middle Tennessee.

Saving Nashville Pride is about saving more than a festival - it’s about saving our future.

“This gap is too large for any single organisation to fill,” said Tina Tousignant, President of the Nashville Pride Board of Directors. “But together, our community can help. Pride has always belonged to the people, and now more than ever, we need the people to step up and help Save Nashville Pride.”

Vice President Alycia Ehimen added: “Pride isn’t just a party - it’s survival. They’re coming for our rights, our marriages, and now our community spaces. Saving Nashville Pride is about saving more than a festival - it’s about saving our future.”

The campaign invites individuals, businesses, and organisations to donate or host fundraising events. All contributions will go directly to supporting Nashville Pride and other LGBTQ+ initiatives in the region.

For more information or to contribute, CLICK HERE