Applications Are Now Open for $5M World Cup Community Initiative Grants

Newark, NJ — Choose New Jersey, New Jersey’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, announced today that $5 million in grants are available to New Jersey-based organizations to host public fan experiences and events in celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in New Jersey this summer.

Governor 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 initiative, supported by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) in partnership with the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee (“NYNJ Host Committee”), will assist communities across the state in creating extraordinary fan experiences throughout the World Cup.

Last month, the NJEDA  allocated funding to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey 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 that advance New Jersey’s role in the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Choose New Jersey is now accepting grant applications for two types of events: “New Jersey Large Scale, Multi-Day, Multi-Location Events” and “New Jersey Smaller Statewide Initiatives.” 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 FIFA World Cup 2026™ will put New Jersey on a global stage, and its lasting impact will be felt in our neighborhoods,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “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.”

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™. 

The two types of events supported are:

• “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.
  • Apply here for large events. Applications close on April 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

• “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.
  • Apply here for smaller statewide events. Applications close on April 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

“The FIFA World Cup presents a tremendous economic opportunity for municipalities and small businesses across New Jersey, and Governor Sherrill is committed to ensuring these opportunities result in real impacts for residents,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss. “In a few months, all eyes will be on the Garden State and this initiative, led by Choose New Jersey, will highlight the vibrancy of New Jersey’s people, businesses, and communities to the world.”

“This summer, we’re going to welcome the World to our shores, and we can’t wait to show everyone why we’re the sports and entertainment capital of the world,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee. “These grant funds and community events will provide affordable, accessible, and authentic New Jersey experiences for every World Cup attendee while providing economic impact throughout the state.” 

“This initiative is about turning global attention into local opportunity,” said Jen Lenhardt, Interim President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “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.” 

Inquiries regarding the Community Initiative Grants may be directed to Choose New Jersey via email at [email protected].

About Choose New Jersey

Choose New Jersey is the state’s leading non-profit business attraction organization. We harness the collective power of New Jersey’s business, government, labor, and academic sectors to expand New Jersey’s economy. We work globally, using our marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the State, and convening power, in collaboration with State government, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to make New Jersey their home. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.