The World Cup For All Community Grant Program 2026 is now open, offering grants between $5,000 and $15,000 to community-based nonprofit organizations across New York City. Launched by the ABNY Foundation, this initiative aims to ensure that residents across the five boroughs can experience the excitement and economic benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026, even if they are not attending matches in person.
This summer, the New York City region will host one of the world’s most watched sporting events, the FIFA World Cup, with MetLife Stadium hosting the final match on July 19. The tournament is expected to attract more than one million visitors and generate an estimated $3 billion in economic impact. The World Cup For All Community Grant Program 2026 is designed to make sure local communities are not left out of this historic moment.
Grant Overview
The ABNY Foundation will award grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 to support:
- Free or low-cost, welcoming, 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. Funding levels will be aligned with the scope and reach of the proposed programming.
Priority Consideration
- The World Cup For All Community Grant Program 2026 will prioritize:
- Projects that center historically underserved communities
- Programming delivered in neighborhoods impacted by historic underinvestment and inequitable social, economic, or health outcomes
- Projects with strong community outreach and engagement strategies
- Programs that are free and open to the public
This focus ensures that funding reaches organizations working directly with communities that have traditionally faced barriers to access.
Eligible Expenses
Grant funds may be used to support both direct and indirect programming expenses, including:
- Event equipment rentals
- Audio-visual rentals and technicians
- Catering and staffing
- Supplemental sanitation services
- Event insurance
- Promotion and outreach efforts
These flexible funding categories allow organizations to design impactful and inclusive programming.
Grantee Benefits
In addition to financial support, selected organizations will receive:
- Free access to select ABNY Member events and convenings
- Connections to the ABNY network, including the ABNY Member World Cup Working Group
- Promotional support for funded events and activities
These added benefits enhance visibility and long-term collaboration opportunities for participating nonprofits.
Important Dates
- February 12, 2026: Grant guidelines and applications released
- February 26, 2026 (9:30am – 10:30am): Optional virtual information session
- April 1, 2026: Funding decisions announced
- June–July 2026: Funded programs take place during the FIFA World Cup
Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the optional virtual information session on February 26, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the World Cup For All Community Grant Program 2026, organizations must:
- Be a small or mid-size nonprofit providing direct services within the five boroughs of New York City
- Be designated under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code or have fiscal sponsorship from a registered 501(c)(3) organization
- For-profit organizations are not eligible
How to Apply
Interested nonprofit organizations should review the grant guidelines and submit their application before March 13, 2026 at midnight. Early preparation is recommended to ensure all documentation is complete.
This initiative represents a powerful opportunity for NYC-based nonprofits to leverage the global energy of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to create meaningful, community-centered programming.
Application deadline : March 13, 2026 at midnight !
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