The application portal for $5 million in World Cup Community Initiative Grants is now live.
The grants, available to New Jersey-based organizations to host public fan experiences and events in celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026 this summer, will include money for both large and small initiatives.
The NYNJ Host Committee selected Choose New Jersey as a strategic partner to support public fan events, initiatives, and marketing efforts to advance New Jersey’s role in the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Here are the two types of events being supported:
New Jersey Large-Scale, Multi-Day, Multi-Location Events
- Funds will be deployed for major fan zone experiences strategically distributed throughout New Jersey, creating large-scale public viewing destinations for fans across the state.
- Applicants must be New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations.
- The applications portal will close on April 13 at 11:59 p.m. (that’s next Monday)
- Click here to apply
New Jersey Smaller Statewide Initiatives
- Separate funds will be deployed to support smaller-scale, high-impact events across New Jersey. These include regional fairs, community festivals, cultural celebrations, and public watch parties.
- Grants will be awarded directly to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities hosting events.
- The applications portal will close on April 16 at 11:59 p.m. (that’s next Thursday)
- Click here to apply.
Inquiries regarding the Community Initiative Grants may be directed to Choose New Jersey via email at [email protected]. Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced the launch of this $5 million World Cup Community Initiative earlier this year to bring the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to every corner of New Jersey.
The grants will help activate fan zones, street fairs, watch parties, and festivals that showcase New Jersey’s communities and amplify the impact of small businesses throughout the state.
The initiative is supported by the N.J. Economic Development Authority in partnership with the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee. It aims to assist communities across the state in creating extraordinary fan experiences throughout the World Cup.
Last month, the EDA allocated funding to the Host Committee to support the state’s World Cup Community Initiative.
Following this disbursement, the NYNJ Host Committee selected Choose New Jersey as a strategic partner to serve as administrator of the funding and manage the initiative, supporting public fan events, initiatives and marketing efforts.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026 will put New Jersey on a global stage, and its lasting impact will be felt in our neighborhoods,” Sherrill said. “These grants empower communities across the state to create experiences that reflect who we are — diverse, dynamic, and deeply connected to small businesses and local culture.”
Jen Lenhardt, Interim CEO of Choose New Jersey, applauded the announcement.
“This initiative is about turning global attention into local opportunity,” she said. “By partnering with organizations on the ground, we’re helping communities design events that not only celebrate the World Cup, but also elevate small businesses, support entrepreneurs, and reflect the cultural richness that defines New Jersey.”
