World Cup For All
Community Grant Program
The grant application is now closed.
Overview
This summer, the New York City region will host the world’s most watched sporting event, the FIFA World Cup, and MetLife Stadium will host the tournament’s final match on July 19. The region is expected to welcome more than a million visitors from around the world, with the tournament generating an estimated $3 billion in economic impact.
The ABNY Foundation is launching the World Cup For All Community Grant Program to ensure residents and communities across the five boroughs can experience the excitement and local benefits of the tournament, even if they are not attending a match in person.
Through this program, the ABNY Foundation will award grants between $5,000 and $15,000 to community-based nonprofit organizations to support:
- Free or low-cost, welcoming, and community-centered fan engagement activities tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026, and/or;
- Free or low-cost, enriching youth programming inspired by the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Grant Awards
- Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $15,000, with funding levels aligned to the scope and reach of proposed programming.
- Priority consideration will be given to:
- Projects that center historically underserved communities and deliver programming in neighborhoods shaped by historic underinvestment and inequitable social, economic, or health outcomes;
- Projects with a robust community outreach and engagement strategy to maximize participation of local residents; and,
- Projects that are free and open to the public.
- Grant funds may be used to support:
- Direct event and programming expenses (e.g. AV rentals and technicians, equipment rentals, catering, staffing)
- Indirect event and programming expenses (e.g. supplemental sanitation, event insurance)
- Promotion and outreach related to funded event(s)
Timeline
- February 12, 2026: Grant guidelines and applications made available
- February 26, 2026, 9:30a – 10:30a: Optional virtual info session for prospective applicants. Click here to watch the recording.
- March 13, 2026, at midnight: Grant application deadline
- April 1, 2026: Funding decisions announced to applicants
- June-July 2026: Funded programs and activities take place during the FIFA World Cup
Eligibility Guidelines
- Be a small or mid-size non-profit that provide direct services within the five boroughs of New York City.
- Applying organizations must be designated under the 501(c)(3) Section of the United States Internal Revenue Code or possess Fiscal Sponsorship from a registered 501(c)(3) organization under the United States Internal Revenue Code.
- For profit organizations are not eligible for grants awards from the ABNY Foundation.
Grantee Benefits
In addition to the grant award, grantees will also receive free access to select ABNY Member events and convenings; connections to the ABNY network, including ABNY Member World Cup Working Group; and promotional support for events and programming.
Grant Information Session
A recording of the virtual information session held on February 26 can be found here.
Additional Resources
- Recording of the February 26 Grant Information Session
- The ABNY Foundation World Cup for All Community Grant Program Flyer
Share the flyer and grant opportunity with your network! - 2026 FIFA World Cup New York-New Jersey Host Committee’s Community Toolkit
Find resources, ideas, and guidance from the local host committee to help you plan and promote activations in your community. - 2026 FIFA World Cup New York-New Jersey Host Committee’s Public Viewing Community Communication Guide
Find guidance from the official local host committee on hosting watch parties or securing a Public Viewing License.
Supporters
Thank you to the generosity of our partners for their support of the community grant program.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? View available sponsorship and partner opportunities.