Twin Cities Pride fundraising goal surpasses $89K after split with Target
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - After announcing the organization would part ways with sponsorship from Target, Twin Cities Pride announced it had surpassed its fundraising goal to recoup the $50,000 the company had provided - in less than 24 hours after starting its crowdfunding campaign.
Twin Cities Pride campaign
What we know:
In a social media post on Jan. 24, organizers for Twin Cities Pride said that Target will "not have a presence" at the Pride festival or parade following Target's decision to roll back its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goals.
After the decision, organizers said $50,000 in funding would need to be replaced due to the split, and called on community members to "fill the gap."
Since then, organizers launched a crowdfunding campaign that has raised more than $89,000 from more than 1,450 individual donors – surpassing its goal of $50,000 in less than 24 hours.
"Your generosity fuels the heart of Twin Cities Pride and supports vital programming like the Rainbow Wardrobe, Artist in Residence, Rainbow Feast, and so much more," organizers said in the overview of the campaign. "Every dollar donated goes directly back into helping us create inclusive spaces, support local artists, and provide resources that make a difference year-round.
Pride, Target on split
What they're saying:
Following the decision to no longer accept sponsorship from Target for its 2025 events, Executive Director of Twin Cities Pride Andi Otto released a statement:
"Target executives have been in touch with Twin Cities Pride about changes to the company's DEI programs. We are working through what this means for the LGBTQ+ community and the long-standing partnership between Target and our organization. We will keep the community informed about any crucial updates that come from these discussions."
In a comment pinned under that post, Twin Cities Pride said "We want to ensure all of our community that Target will NOT have a presence at the festival or parade. We are deeply disappointed in their announcement. We are committed to continuing conversations with them about the impact it has on our community and those in our community who are their employees."
Target operates nearly 2,000 stores nationwide and employs more than 400,000 people.
The company has confirmed it would conclude its diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, goals it previously set.
The Source: Statements from Twin Cities Pride and Target