Supporters rallied behind Twin Cities Pride after the organization cut ties with Target Corp., a longtime sponsor of the festival and parade, over the downtown Minneapolis-based retailer’s decision to roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.

An online fundraiser raised over $50,000 to fill the gap in funding within 24 hours of Twin Cities Pride's announcement Sunday that it was dropping Target as a longtime sponsor. Additional money raised by the fundraiser will be used to support other Twin Cities Pride programming, including the Rainbow Wardrobe, Artist in Residence, and Rainbow Feast.

“This year, Twin Cities Pride has made the bold decision to part ways with Target as a sponsor, standing firm in our commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion and equity,” Twin Cities Pride said in a social media post. “This choice means losing $50,000 in funding so we’re calling on you – our incredible community and supporters – to help us fill the gap.”

Twin Cities Pride is scheduled to return June 28-29 for its 53rd year in Loring Park. This year’s “live proud” theme encourages participants to embrace their identity and individuality, advocate for equality, and celebrate the beauty of diversity within the queer community.

Andi Otto, Twin Cities Pride executive director, told MPR News that the organization will seek contributions from other companies and foundations to make up for the loss of Target, its partner for nearly two decades.

Days after President Donald Trump’s executive order ending DEI programs across the federal government, Target announced on its corporate blog that it was winding down initiatives established following George Floyd’s murder, including a pledge to spend more than $2 billion with Black-owned businesses.

Target joins Walmart, Amazon, McDonald’s, and other large U.S. companies that have ditched their DEI programs in recent months. Target's decision came on the heels of Trump's Jan. 21 executive order, which directs government agencies to identify corporations, nonprofits, foundations, associations, and universities for potential investigations.

Minnesota Sen. Scott Dibble (District 61) issued a statement Friday calling Target’s decision “a total capitulation to President Trump’s politics of cruelty and mean-spirited exclusion.”

“Target has made itself clear," Dibble said in a release. "They believe that accommodating President Trump's politics of cruelty, fear, and resentment is more valuable than the dignity and well-being of many of their customers and employees.”

Target also sponsors other big events in downtown Minneapolis, including the Minneapolis Aquatennial and Holidazzle, both of which are organized by the Minneapolis Downtown Council.