With the world heading to New Jersey in just weeks, state officials are putting real dollars behind the fan experience and encouraging local communities to get their game on.
Choose New Jersey has opened applications for $5 million in grants to support public events tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026, aiming to turn neighborhoods across the state into hubs of energy, culture, and commerce.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced the World Cup Community Initiative earlier this year, positioning it as a way to spread the tournament’s impact far beyond the stadium and into downtowns, parks, and main streets statewide.
Choose New Jersey said in a statement that 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.
Partnerships Make it Happen
The initiative is backed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) in partnership with the New York New Jersey Host Committee FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ . Choose New Jersey is planning to administer the program and oversee funding distribution.
Last month, NJEDA formally allocated funding to the Host Committee to support the initiative. From there, Choose New Jersey was brought in as a strategic partner to manage the rollout — including grants, event coordination, and marketing efforts designed to elevate New Jersey’s presence during the world’s biggest sporting event.
“The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will put New Jersey on a global stage, and its lasting impact will be felt in our neighborhoods,” said New Jersey Gov. 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.”
Now, organizations across the state can apply for funding to create fan zones, street fairs, festivals, and watch parties that highlight local communities and drive business to small and mid-sized operators.
“This initiative is about turning global attention into local opportunity,” said Jen Lenhardt. “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.”
Who is Eligible For The Two Funding Types
Funding is earmarked specfically for fan expriences across the state Funding is earmarked specfically for fan expriences across 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 Gov. 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.”
Choose New Jersey is now accepting grant applications for two types of events:
⚽Large-scale, Multi-Day, Multi-Location Events: These include major fan zone experiences strategically distributed throughout New Jersey, creating large-scale public viewing destinations for fans. Applicants must be New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations. Applications close April 13, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
⚽New Jersey Smaller Statewide Initiatives. This category focuses on smaller, high-impact events such as community festivals, cultural celebrations, regional fairs and public watch parties. Grants are open to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities.
Applications close April 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
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.
“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. “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.”
For more information, contact Choose New Jersey at eventgrant26@choosenj.com.
