2024 Sponsorship Information

As a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, we would not be able to do our work without our supporters, sponsors and donors. Your support goes beyond the annual Pride Festival. Blue Ridge Pride works year-round to accomplish our mission of advocacy, celebration, education and service through our programs. We seek support from sponsors who agree and support our vision of inclusiveness and full equality for LGBTQ+ individuals.

*Crystal sponsors will need to show proof of 2022 or 2023 annual income via 990 EZ, or show nonprofit incorporation letter indicating incorporation in 2023.

**Legacy sponsor banners will be provided to all sponsors, no matter the level, after 3 consecutive years of sponsorship

** This year only, 2023 sponsors bump up last year’s sponsorship by $1,000 to be eligible for this new offering. Includes logo on Pride 5k tshirt, marketing for 5k, Pride paddle parade, June Pride film at Grail, and an LGBTQIA+ author event hosted by Asheville FM. Local businesses will also receive the perks of a $1000 Asheville FM sponsorship.

Reasons To Sponsor

You support a stronger community.

Blue Ridge Pride is largely a volunteer-driven organization. In addition to supporting the annual festival, our sponsor and donor funds support our community programs, projects and partners. These program and projects, detailed on our website, include:

• Community-Building Events

• Generation Plus Program for Seniors

• WNC Oral History Project

• Blue Ridge Pride Community Partner Fund

• Blue Ridge Business Alliance (in development)

• Welcoming Community Directories

• Caring for Children (LGBTQ+ youth foster family training)

It makes good business sense.

Supporting Blue Ridge Pride visibly demonstrates your business’ commitment to an important community in western North Carolina.

You reach an important and diverse audience.

Western North Carolina is home to an estimated 55,000 to 80,000 people who identify as LGBTQ+. Over 10,000 of these identify as transgender or non-binary. The Asheville area alone has 83% more LGBTQ-identified people than the average American city or town (U.S. Census).

You reach a loyal audience.

LGBTQ populations are loyal to businesses that support them. 55% of LGBT consumers will choose to do business with companies that are committed to the diversity/equal treatment of the LGBT community.
70% of LGBT adults said they would pay a premium for a product from a company that supports the LGBT community. 78% of LGBT adults and their friends, family and relatives would switch to brands that are known to be LGBT- friendly.