Pride Supports Community With Record Grants & Parade/Exhibitor Price Freeze
Community Groups To Share An Anticipated $150,000

2002 was another great year for grants from San Francisco Pride to the Community. In spite of the dismal economic climate, the Pride Committee was able to sustain the momentum of the past five years and set a new record. Grants to the community rose to an impressive $139,792.60, up 22% on the previous year.

Commenting, Pride Committee President, Joey Cain, said: “Thanks to the generosity of Pride Celebration attendees we've been able to increase the amount we can grant to our community organizations in these very difficult financial times. The great thing about these grants is that they go to a broad cross section of social service and arts groups who provide direct services and benefits to the LGBT community.“

It is not just the amount that has increased but also the number of organizations benefiting (in 2002 forty-three non-profits shared in the community windfall) and the proportion that the grants represent when viewed as a percentage of overall expenditures.

Year Donations As a % of total expenditure
1997 $ 32,170 4.79%
1998 $ 46,800 6.39%
1999 $ 56,995 7.70%
2000 $ 78,181 8.41%
2001 $114,388 11.83%
2002 $139,792 12.74%

Pride’s Community Partner Program, whereby Pride shares its beverage and gate donation revenues with other non-profit groups, continues to go from strength to strength. For organizations wishing to participate in 2003, information and application forms can be found at:
www.sfpride.org/partners/community

Pride Executive Director, Teddy Witherington, said: “At a time when traditional funding sources are contracting and the outlook is bleak, it is heartwarming to know that the Pride Committee is stepping up to the plate and creating opportunities for our community. We hope to raise the standard still higher this year and grant back $150,000.”

Organizations interested in participating in the program must be able to field a minimum of 10 volunteers at the event. The deadline for the receipt of completed applications is March 14, 2003.

Parade and Exhibitor fees are frozen this year, for a third year in a
row. Local non-profits with budgets under $100,000 can qualify for a free parade entry and members of the Golden Gate Business Association qualify for a 50% discount on both Parade and Exhibitor fees. Applications can now be submitted on-line at:
www.sfpride.org/forms/welcome.htm

San Francisco LGBT Pride takes place over the weekend of June 28/29. The event theme is “You’ve Gotta Give Them Hope.”

ENDS

For further information please contact Teddy Witherington at (415) 864 - 0831