Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grants

The Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program is administered by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and was established under state legislation to support major sports and entertainment events that generate economic growth, tourism, and statewide engagement. The program reflects a coordinated effort by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to prepare Massachusetts communities for large-scale global events such as the FIFA World Cup. This second round of funding specifically targets municipal preparedness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a focus on ensuring public safety and operational readiness for associated activities. The purpose of this grant round is to provide financial assistance to municipalities and eligible public entities to cover public safety costs directly tied to World Cup-related events. These include matches at Boston Stadium, the official FIFA Fan Festival in Boston, team training sites, official tournament hotels, and team base camps. The funding is intended to support the safe and efficient management of large crowds and high-profile international events, ensuring a positive experience for residents and visitors while minimizing strain on local resources. The total funding available in this round is $2 million, distributed through a competitive grant process. Funds may be used for a range of eligible public safety expenses, including staffing for police, fire, emergency medical services, public health, emergency management, and public works. Equipment purchases related to these functions are also eligible, provided they are directly connected to World Cup activities. However, the program imposes restrictions on spending, including prohibitions on general operating costs, unrelated personnel expenses, and any costs incurred prior to January 1, 2026. Salary expenses for non-public safety personnel are capped at 10 percent unless justified. A mandatory matching requirement applies to all awards, requiring recipients to provide at least a one-to-one match of grant funds through eligible sources such as municipal funding, in-kind contributions, or direct expenditures. Matching funds must be incurred within the grant period and may not include other government grants or restricted sources. Failure to meet the match requirement results in repayment obligations. The performance period for both grant and matching expenditures extends through August 31, 2026, with final reporting due by September 30, 2026. Eligibility for this funding is limited to Massachusetts-based municipalities, public agencies, and tribal entities. Non-governmental organizations, including nonprofits and for-profit entities, are explicitly excluded, as are public colleges and universities and state agencies. Applicants must comply with applicable state regulations, including the MBTA Communities Act where relevant. Only one application per entity is permitted, although collaborative proposals involving multiple organizations are allowed with a designated lead applicant. Applications were required to be submitted online through the designated portal by April 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. The application process includes submission of required documentation, certifications, and disclosures related to procurement and labor compliance. Proposals are evaluated based on budget strength, demonstrated need for funding, and unique factors such as equity considerations and economic impact. Awards were expected to be announced in May 2026, with funds distributed on a reimbursement basis contingent upon documented expenses.

Emphasize strong budget justification clear articulation of public safety needs and alignment with World Cup impacts demonstrate ability to meet matching requirements and show coordination with public safety partners