Application for Smaller Statewide Partners

• An entity that has demonstrated experience organizing and executing multiple events with an attendance of 200 or more in the last 5 years;
• The entity must have an event planned or in planning during the June or July timeframe;
• Dedicated to boosting local economies, marketing their destination, and coordinating events with demonstrated experience in organizing and executing events;
• Documented support for the event from a local government, Destination Marketing Organization, Special Improvement District, Business Improvement District, Urban Enterprise Zone, Local Development Corporation, Economic Development Corporation, or similar entity.
• If an entity above is applying directly it can pool together multiple events to meet threshold eligibility requirements.

Additional eligibility requirements applicable to Smaller Statewide Partners:

• Applicants may add a third-party partner or partners whose experience, knowledge, skills and ability may provide an advantage in production, management, and/or marketing.

• $2 million total;
• Minimum of 21 awards to Smaller Statewide Partners with a minimum award of $50,000 and a maximum of $100,000;
• No award may be more than 50% of the total cost, which includes in-kind, of the respective Smaller Statewide Initiative;
• Strategic Partner must consider geographic diversity as a whole across North, Central and South Jersey when allocating these funds.

*Grant allocation adjustments must be approved by the Host Committee and NJEDA.

1. Smaller Statewide Partners may charge an event admission fee of up to $10 per person.
2. Partners may not use grant funds for VIP experiences.
3. Strategic Partner shall disburse funds to Large Event Partners and Smaller Statewide Partners based upon the following milestones:
   • 75% at Agreement Execution
   • 25% upon the Large Event Partners and Smaller Statewide Partners satisfactory completion of the event, submission of a detailed accounting of funds spent as identified on the applicants detailed budget at the time of application and submission of an economic impact report.
4. Large Event Partners and Smaller Statewide Partners may utilize up to five percent (5%) of the NJEDA funds issued toward administrative, personnel and overhead costs incurred in connection with such events.
5. All of Partners’ events must comply with FIFA guidelines and local permits, and must prioritize cultural diversity and small businesses.
6. Partners must include NY/NJ Host Committee Welcome World Badge in all promotional material, in compliance with the Welcome World Badge branding guidelines.
7. Partners must incorporate the official “This is New Jersey” marketing materials at the event(s).
8. Large Event Partners and Smaller Statewide Partners must provide an economic impact report to the Strategic Partner within 30 days post-event, which must include but is not limited to, event attendance, small businesses utilization, job data and overall economic impact as a result of the event.
   • Large Event Partners and Smaller Statewide Partners will also provide a detailed general ledger of all expenses paid against the grant, organized by allocation buckets: Advertising & Marketing, Contracts & Consultants, Event Planning, Event Production, Security & Safety and Other.
   • Required template for Economic Impact Report will be posted to this site after awards are made to recipients.
   • Strategic Partner will share this report with the Host Committee and NJEDA within thirty (30) business days from FIFA World Cup 2026™ final.
9. Partners will use best efforts to ensure environmental best practices during events, such as: event waste management (recycling, monitoring waste streams, coordinating with municipal/county recycling coordinators, handling harder to recycle textiles such as banners and signage), promoting mass transit usage for attendees, providing water bottle filling stations to reduce single use plastic.
10. Large Event Partners will comply with and require all contractors performing work in relation to the Project to comply with the State prevailing wage rate where applicable, together with the other Authority prevailing wage requirements set forth in N.J.S.A. 34:1B-5.1 and the affirmative action rules and regulations in connection with any construction contracts for the Project as set forth in N.J.S.A. 34:1B-5.4 and implementing regulations set forth in N.J.A.C. 19:30-3.1 et seq.
11. Any changes made to these guidelines must be approved by the Strategic Partner in collaboration with the Host Committee and the NJEDA.
12. No one entity can receive more than (1) award or subgrant from this initiative. 

Choose New Jersey
Choose New Jersey is a privately funded 501(c)(3) economic development organization with a mission to stimulate job creation and attract capital investment to New Jersey. Choose New Jersey markets  New Jersey domestically and internationally as the ideal place to grow a business in the United States.

Knowledgeable, experienced staff, supported by a network of state agencies and private partners, provide free, confidential assistance to guide companies in establishing operations in New Jersey. By harnessing the power of business, labor, academic, and government leaders, Choose New Jersey enables growth across all sectors of the state’s economy, aspiring to build a stronger and more prosperous New Jersey for all. To learn more, visit choosenj.com.

Since its inception in 2010, Choose New Jersey has assisted 536 companies in relocating or expanding to the state, resulting in over 41.5K new and retained jobs and generating $13.8 billion in capital investment.

NJEDA
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness. Learn more at njeda.gov.

NYNJ Host Committee
The FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee is the official body responsible for planning and delivering matches and fan experiences for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the New York – New Jersey region. Centered around MetLife Stadium, the Committee brings together leaders across government, business, tourism, and sports to oversee event operations, marketing, and community engagement, with a focus on showcasing the region globally, driving economic impact, and creating a lasting, inclusive legacy beyond 2026.