World Cup Community Grants 2026

World Cup Community Grants 2026

Funder: ABNY Foundation Inc

Geographic Scope: Five boroughs of New York City

Program Overview:
The ABNY Foundation launched the World Cup Community Grants 2026 program to ensure residents and communities across NYC can experience the benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026, even if they don't attend matches in person. The tournament will be held summer 2026, with the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, and is expected to bring over 1 million visitors with an estimated $3 billion economic impact.

Funding Focus:
Grants support:

Community-based fan welcome and engagement activities (free or low-cost) related to FIFA World Cup 2026

Youth enrichment programming (free or low-cost) inspired by FIFA World Cup 2026

Award Amounts:
Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, with funding levels aligned to the scope and scale of proposed programming.

Priority Considerations:

Projects focused on historically underserved communities with programming in neighborhoods affected by historical disinvestment and social, economic, or health outcome inequality

Projects with strong community reach and engagement strategy to maximize local resident participation

Projects that are free and open to the public

Eligible Use of Funds:

Direct programming and event expenses (venue rentals, AV technicians, equipment rental, catering, staffing)

Indirect programming and event expenses (supplemental sanitation, event insurance)

Promotion and outreach related to funded events

Eligibility Requirements:

Must be a small or mid-size nonprofit organization providing direct services within the five NYC boroughs

Must be designated as 501(c)(3) under US Internal Revenue Code OR have fiscal sponsorship from a registered 501(c)(3) organization

For-profit organizations are not eligible

Grantee Benefits:

$5,000-$15,000 grant award

Free access to select ABNY Member Events

Connections with ABNY network, including World Cup working group of ABNY members

Promotional support for events and programming

Timeline:

February 12, 2026: Guidelines and applications available

February 26, 2026, 9:30-10:30 AM: Optional virtual informational session for prospective applicants

March 13, 2026 (midnight): Application deadline

April 1, 2026: Funding decisions announced

June-July 2026: Funded programs and activities conducted during FIFA World Cup

Contact: info@abny.org | 212-370-5800