12 Projects Selected Through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program
Funding Will Support Public Viewing Events and Community Activations Across New York State
Program Helps Extend the Economic and Tourism Benefits of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to Communities Statewide
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 12 community-based projects across seven regions of New York State have been selected as awardees through the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program. State funding will support locally organized public viewing events and related programming tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. More than $371,000 in grants will facilitate events designed to bring residents and visitors together while driving economic activity and increasing visitation to local businesses.
“New York is proud to play a major role in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and we want communities across the state to share in the excitement and the economic benefits this global event will bring,” Governor Hochul said. “These grants will help cities, villages and local organizations host events that bring people together, support small businesses and ensure that New Yorkers in every region can take part in the celebration.”
The $500,000 Community World Cup Grant Program supports community-based activations such as public watch parties, cultural programming and community festivals timed with tournament matches. These locally organized events are designed to boost regional tourism, encourage spending at nearby restaurants and shops, and give New Yorkers opportunities to participate in the global tournament close to home. Empire State Development began accepting applications for the program in January following the Governor’s announcement launching the initiative.
Empire State Development received applications from organizations across multiple Regional Economic Development Council regions. Following review and consultation with regional partners, 12 projects across seven regions were selected as awardees under the Community World Cup Grant Program.
Community World Cup Grant Program Awardees
Capital Region
- Discover Albany — $29,825
- Downtown Troy Business Improvement District — $70,000
Central New York
- Visit Syracuse — $25,000
Finger Lakes
- Visit Rochester – East and Alex Entertainment District — $24,875
- Visit Rochester – High Falls — $22,000
Southern Tier
- City of Binghamton — $25,000
Mohawk Valley
- City of Amsterdam — $12,125
North Country
- Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism, Southern Essex — $7,500
- Potsdam Chamber of Commerce — $20,000
Western New York
- City of Buffalo — $60,000
- Visit Buffalo — $70,000
- Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI) — $5,000
Today’s announcement complements Governor Hochul's efforts to capture World Cup excitement in New York State. In addition to the Community World Cup Grant Program, New York State is supporting several initiatives designed to ensure communities across the state can participate in the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Governor recently announced two free, large-scale community viewing events on Long Island and in the Mid-Hudson Region as part of a coordinated effort to maximize the statewide and economic impact of the 2026 World Cup into communities across the state. The Long Island and Mid-Hudson events will feature live match broadcasts alongside community-developed programming designed to authentically reflect each region and celebrate New York’s passion for the world’s game. Designed as outdoor experiences capable of welcoming thousands of attendees, each event will reflect the unique character of its region while promoting community engagement, small business participation, and inclusive access. Additional event details will be announced at a later date. For more information, including how to sign up to be notified of future New York State World Cup announcements, visit the I LOVE NY website here.
Governor Hochul has also advanced NY Kicks as part of her 2026 State of the State and FY27 Executive Budget, a new initiative aimed at expanding youth soccer access by investing in new soccer facilities and community programming in disadvantaged communities across the state. NY Kicks also advances Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside initiative, which encourages New Yorkers to unplug from devices and spend time outdoors in their communities, by activating public spaces across the state and creating shared, active experiences for families.
These efforts also build on the State’s broader strategy to maximize the economic, tourism and community benefits associated with hosting matches during the tournament.
About the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program
The New York State Community World Cup Grant Program provides funding to support community-based events tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Grants help local governments, nonprofit organizations and community partners host public watch parties and related programming designed to drive tourism, increase visitation to local businesses and ensure communities across the state can participate in the global tournament.
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