Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this ordinance is to authorize the City Clerk to enter a grant agreement with Stonewall Columbus, Inc., a non-profit corporation, to provide upfront support for their year-round programming and general operations, including Stonewall Columbus Pride. This will take the form of a gold-level 2026 Pride 365 sponsor. Stonewall Columbus Pride itself is a program of the organization, so all funds raised from events - whether from Rainbow Room tickets, merchandise like t-shirts, or other Pride-related sales - are directed to support Stonewall Columbus, Inc. via the Pride 365 model.
The Pride 365 model is designed to sustain Stonewall Columbus, Inc.’s year-round operations so the organization can continue providing services, connections to resources, and inclusive programming for the LGBTQ+ community well beyond Pride weekend and the month of June. According to the organization, Pride 365 sponsorships constituted nearly one-third of the organization's revenue in 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds are available in the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund, subfund 100018.
REASON FOR EMERGENCY: June is Pride month and Stonewall Columbus Pride is scheduled for June 19th and 20th, meaning that Stonewall Columbus, Inc. has likely already begun to incur expenses associated with event planning. To ensure that funds are made available to the organization as soon as possible to defray the cost of Stonewall Columbus Pride, and to meet sponsorship deadlines, emergency designation is requested.
Title
To authorize and direct the City Clerk to enter a grant agreement with Stonewall Columbus, Inc., a non-profit corporation, to provide upfront financial support for their year-round programming and general operations, including Stonewall Columbus Pride; to authorize an expenditure from the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($10,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, Stonewall Columbus, Inc. organizes Stonewall Columbus Pride annually in Co...
Click here for full text