$135,000 for Buffalo World Cup programming

Information provided by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul 

On Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced 12 community-based projects across seven regions of New York were 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,” 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.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Community World Cup Grant program helps extend the impact of the World Cup far beyond the host stadium by empowering local communities to create their own celebrations around the tournament. These events will drive foot traffic to local businesses, strengthen regional tourism and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.”

Governor’s Senior Director of Major Event Operations Justin Brannan said, “The New York State Community World Cup Grant program will deliver the thrill of international soccer from the Meadowlands directly to main streets all across the state. Thanks to Gov. Hochul’s leadership, communities from Buffalo to Binghamton will be able to share in the World Cup excitement, creating lasting economic and cultural benefits long after the final whistle.”

In Western New York, Community World Cup Grant program awardees include: City of Buffalo, $60,000; Visit Buffalo, $70,000; and Westminster Economic Development Initiative (WEDI), $5,000.

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.

ESD 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.

This announcement complements Hochul's efforts to capture World Cup excitement in New York. In addition to the Community World Cup Grant program, the state is supporting several initiatives designed to ensure communities can participate in the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup. Hochul 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 World Cup into communities across the state.

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.

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 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, 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.