The Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), has announced the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program.
Donor Name: Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT)
State: Massachusetts
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/04/2026
Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Sports and Entertainment Events Fund was established by Chapter 73 of the Acts of 2025 (“the Act”) to support major sports or entertainment events through a competitive grant program. The program is administered by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT). The same Act funded the grant program with $10 million to support costs related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
By law, no more than 50% of the program’s annual allocation may go to one recipient. Priorities of the fund include direct and economic impacts on the Commonwealth’s tourism industry, promotion of the Commonwealth in national and international media, and geographic equity.
Categories
Categories of funding are anticipated to include:
- Expenses supporting hosting of FIFA World Cup matches
- Expenses supporting official Fan Fest
- Expenses supporting team home bases and base camps (i.e. hotels and practice facilities)
- Expenses supporting watch parties
- Notes: Watch parties must show a minimum of one of the matches taking place at Boston Stadium. Watch parties must operate in accordance with FIFA public viewing rules (including license if required) and brand protection and intellectual property guidelines.
Funding Information
The Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program anticipates awarding up to $10,000,000 in this funding round via a competitive grant process.
Eligible Expenses
Eligible expenses may include:
- Transportation
- Public safety
- Wayfinding and Signage
- Services for Disabilities
- Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability Efforts
- Volunteer Support Costs
- Event Services
- Sports Marketing
- Construction, functioning, or operation of a sports or entertainment event, including a viewing license
Eligibility Criteria
Only one application per applicant may be submitted. There must be one lead applicant, but multiple organizations may collaborate on an application. A public agency, municipality, tribal entity, or nonprofit organization incorporated in Massachusetts with 501(c)3, 501(c)4, 501(c)5, 501(c)6, status from the Internal Revenue Service is eligible to apply. Applicants must:
- have begun operations before January 1, 2025.
- be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the municipality where it is located
- must be current on all taxes due through December 31, 2024
- have active and valid state licenses/registrations if applicable
- be in compliance with MBTA Communities Act (Section 3A of MGL c. 40A) if applicable (municipal applicants only)
- complete the online application, including all required documentation, by the deadline
Review Criteria
- Viability
- Economic Impact and Need
- Clarity and vision
- Geographic equity other state priorities
For more information, visit MOTT.
