MOTT Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grants

The Sports and Entertainment Events Fund was established to support major sports or entertainment events through a competitive grant program. The program is administered by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) and has $10 million in funding to support costs related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The grant program will award up to $10,000,000 in this funding round via a competitive grant process. Eligible expenses may include transportation, public safety, wayfinding and signage, services for disabilities, equity, inclusion, and sustainability efforts, volunteer support costs, event services, sports marketing, and construction, functioning, or operation of a sports or entertainment event. • The grant program has several categories, including expenses supporting hosting of FIFA World Cup matches, expenses supporting official Fan Fest, expenses supporting team home bases and base camps, and expenses supporting watch parties. • Eligible applicants include public agencies, municipalities, tribal entities, or nonprofit organizations incorporated in Massachusetts. • Applicants must have begun operations before January 1, 2025, and be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the municipality where it is located. • The application process includes submitting an online application, attending an optional webinar, and submitting questions in writing. • The grant program has a matching funds requirement, where grant recipients must raise an amount equal to or more than the grant amount.