"When organisers announced the annual event would be ending after 21 years they said the decision was taken due to a "sustained" fall in corporate funding, with National Student Pride's income down by around two-thirds compared to two years ago. Speaking exclusively to PinkNews about the stark situation, Tom Guy - an original founder and a current trustee of National Student Pride - outlined the organisation had 24 event sponsors and 53 stalls for its career fair in 2024"
"but by 2026 this was down to just eight sponsors and 20 stalls. Guy explained this nosedive in support from the corporate sector has left the volunteer-led organisation unable to support itself, with organisers not convinced that they would even be able to cover the salary of their singular paid member of staff. It is important to note, in 2024 National Student Pride introduced an ethical sponsorship policy after facing boycotts from both Queers for Palestine"
Corporate brands in the UK are reducing DEI budgets, contributing to a sharp fall in sponsorship for LGBTQ+ student events. National Student Pride announced its 2026 festival will be its last in its current form after 21 years due to income dropping by around two-thirds compared to two years earlier. Event sponsorship declined from 24 sponsors and 53 stalls in 2024 to eight sponsors and 20 stalls projected for 2026. The volunteer-led organisation now struggles to cover operational costs and the sole paid staff salary. An ethical sponsorship policy was introduced in 2024 after activist boycotts.
Read at PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news
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