SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Savannah Pride Center is facing a significant financial setback after anticipated donations fell through.

In the wake of a $30,000 funding shortfall, the organization is reaching out to the local community for assistance. Despite the financial hit, the upcoming Pride Festival will proceed as planned, though ongoing financial support is crucial for the center to continue its community outreach and support efforts.

“We used to rely heavily on corporate donations, but the current climate suggests a shift,” remarked Michael Bell, the executive director of the Savannah Pride Center. “These are turbulent times, and it seems businesses are hesitant to back initiatives like Pride.”

The withdrawal of support from several corporate sponsors came just weeks before the center’s annual Pride Festival, adding to the financial strain.

“We live through very turbulent times, and companies are pulling back from supporting things like Pride,” said Bell.

Multiple corporate donors withdrew support weeks before this year’s annual Pride Festival.

Bell says those donations not only help fund the festival but also pay for a variety of programs the center offers. “While Prides across the country have been canceled, know that our center is increasing our services. We do free gynecology, we do free mental and behavioral health, free HIV testing, discounts on STD testing, we do hormone replacement therapy, we have so many medical and holistic offerings for the community.”

Bell cites the Trump administration for the loss of funding. He says donors are scared to openly support communities that are under attack by Conservatives.

“The political climate is a nice way to say it’s definitely this administration,” said Bell. “You know, our marginalized communities are extremely under attack through policies and laws that are trying to be passed.”

Bell went on to say, “You’ve seen our trans community erased from government websites. It’s no secret that the LGBTQ community is under attack by this administration, and that results in Pride and funding for non-profits that support marginalized communities being affected.”

The Savannah Pride Festival will start in Forsyth Park Saturday at noon. It continues until 11 p.m. You can find more information here.