- Office of Travel and Tourism
Media Contact
Abigail Phillips, Director of Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 10, 2026
BOSTON— The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the launch of the second round of the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program, a $2 million program to support municipal public safety needs tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Sports and Entertainment Events Fund is administered by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) and is designed to support major global events that drive economic growth, tourism, and statewide engagement.
“As we prepare to welcome the world to Massachusetts, we are focused on meeting this moment with the coordination, investment and leadership it demands,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The FIFA World Cup represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase our state on a global stage. This funding ensures that our communities have the resources they need to deliver a safe, seamless and memorable experience for residents and visitors alike.”
“Hosting an event of this scale requires strong partnerships at every level,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “This funding reflects our commitment to working alongside municipalities to ensure they are equipped to support their communities while also sharing in the benefits of this global moment.”
This second round of funding is specifically focused on ensuring that host communities are prepared to safely and successfully deliver World Cup-related events, including matches at Boston Stadium, the official FIFA Fan Festival in Boston, official tournament hotels, and team training sites.
“Major global events like the FIFA World Cup leave a lasting impression based on how people experience them,” said Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. “Investing in seamless, well-executed, and welcoming environments ensures visitors leave with a strong connection to Massachusetts. That kind of experience continues to pay off well beyond the event itself, strengthening our global brand and driving long-term economic impact.
The $2 million available in this round will support eligible municipal public safety costs associated with World Cup-related activities. Municipalities may apply for funding to support public safety expenses connected to the seven matches, the official Fan Festival, official tournament hotels, and team home bases.
“This program is about making sure our communities are prepared and supported,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “By investing in the infrastructure and services that make events like this possible, we are helping ensure a positive experience for visitors while also supporting local communities and the broader visitor economy.”
The deadline to apply for round two is April 28, 2026. Municipalities can learn more and apply at: https://mott.submittable.com/submit.
The first round of the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program, a $10 million competitive initiative launched earlier this year, awarded funding to 17 communities across Massachusetts to support World Cup-related events, including fan festivals, watch parties, and regional activations designed to drive tourism, economic activity, and statewide engagement. To learn more, click here.
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