The New York State Community World Cup Grant Program provides a statewide model for regions to engage with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Donor Name: New York Empire State Development (ESD)
State: New York
County: Selected Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/13/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The New York State Community World Cup Grant Program ensures the 2026 FIFA World Cup is celebrated throughout New York State by supporting locally led viewing events. It aims to drive regional economic activity, increase visitation to local businesses, and provide all New Yorkers with a safe, accessible opportunity to participate in this once-in-a-generation global sporting event.
The program’s objectives are to:
- Expand access to World Cup celebrations beyond the host region so that all New Yorkers can take part in the moment.
- Drive local economic activity by encouraging travel to community events and increasing visitation to nearby businesses, parks, and cultural destinations.
- Ensure safe, well-coordinated public events that reflect high standards for crowd management, accessibility, and hospitality.
This program represents a coordinated effort to extend the benefits of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to all corners of New York State while supporting communities in delivering safe, well-run, and memorable public celebrations.
Funding Information
- Total Program Allocation: $500,000.
- Grant funding under the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program will be provided as a cost-share, covering up to 50 percent of total eligible event costs, not to exceed $70,000 per event.
Eligible Uses of Funds
Grants under the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program are intended exclusively for event related activities tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Eligible expenses include:
- Event production and coordination for public viewing events, including temporary infrastructure such as LED screens, event streaming requirements, staging, power, fencing, sanitation, and accessibility accommodations.
- Operational planning and technical assistance related to event permitting, site readiness, and public safety coordination.
- Workforce and volunteer training directly supporting event operations, crowd management, or visitor services.
- On-site logistics and essential event services such as security planning, waste management, ADA compliance, and emergency coordination.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible Applicants:
- Nonprofit Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs).
- Municipalities, local development corporations, or chambers of commerce.
- Other qualified nonprofit or regional entities.
Eligible Regions:
- Events must be located within the Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, or Western New York.
Other Requirements:
- Applicants must demonstrate financial capacity and administrative experience to manage public funds.
- Projects must include at least one public viewing of a FIFA World Cup match.
For more information, visit ESD.
