The parade is struggling to acquire "adequate corporate support for its sustainability and growth," a recent state-funded report said.

And facing increasing competition from other cities, the study recommended the organizing committee — known as the West Indian Day Carnival Association — "outsource" some events and mix corporate figures into its leadership.

"The West Indian American Day Carnival's tremendous success as a 'crowd pleaser' . . . has not translated into corresponding corporate backing," the report said. "It is incumbent upon WIADCA to educate current and prospective corporate sponsors of the lucrative economic possibilities of the Caribbean American community."

WIADCA receives close to $100,000 from the city and $345,550 in corporate sponsorship, according to the study.

By comparison, the organization behind the Puerto Rican Day Parade raises about twice that amount — claiming at least three times the number of major sponsors that donate over $100,000 — and receives no public funding, according to 2003 tax filings.

One of the major difFerences, the study said, is that the Puerto Rican Day Parade is broadcast on NBC and Telemundo, while the West Indian Day Parade — despite its flair and color — ends up relegated to public access.

"TV is very important," said Christopher Herman, with the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Inc. "[For sponsors,] it's the frosting on the cake."

In a prepared statement issued by the Empire State Development Corp., which funded the $20,000 study, parade founder Carlos Lezama said WIADCA was "very excited by the results of the study."

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