What Showcase Atlanta Provides

Every grant awardee receives:

→ Large outdoor LED screen

→ Professional PA sound system

→ Co-promotion across Showcase Atlanta channels

Your activation grant could cover costs such as: security, local vendors, food, cultural programming, music, marketing, site setup, ADA accommodations and cleanup.

Portable restrooms are the responsibility of the awardee.

Permits and Compliance

All events funded through the Showcase Atlanta Community Engagement Grant must be in full compliance with the City of Atlanta Special Events Permit requirements. It is the sole responsibility of the grant awardee to obtain all necessary permits prior to their event. Showcase Atlanta does not provide permitting assistance and is not liable for any events that proceed without the required permits, or for any incidents, damages, or claims arising from or related to funded events.

By accepting a grant award, the awardee agrees to assume full responsibility for event permitting, safety, and compliance with all applicable city, state, and federal regulations. Awardees must either: Host their event at an indoor venue, or hold a valid City of Atlanta Special Events Permit for their outdoor event location prior to receiving grant funds. Proof of permit or confirmation of an indoor venue will be required before the first grant payment is issued.

Read more about FIFA Public Viewing Regulations here.

Who Can Apply

This grant is open to community-based organizations, neighborhood associations, business associations, Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs), nonprofits, faith communities, and civic groups based in the City of Atlanta.

To be eligible, your organization must:

· Be a registered community-based organization, neighborhood association, NPU, nonprofit, faith community, business association or civic group

· Hold a valid City of Atlanta business license or be registered with the Georgia Secretary of State

· Be based within the City of Atlanta

· Be able to receive payment via invoice (no individual awardees)

· Have a confirmed event lead and point of contact

· Have a venue confirmed or in progress at time of application

· Plan a free, public event during the FIFA World Cup (June–July 2026)

· Include at least one Atlanta-based small business or vendor at your event

Not eligible: Individual promoters, event production companies or businesses applying without a community organization partner.

Grant Details

Activation grants range from $3,000 to $4,000 based on expected attendance and zone priority.

Events may be 1 to 3 days in length and must screen at least one FIFA World Cup match. Events must be free and open to the public — no admission fee, no purchase required to attend.

Up to 8 grants will be awarded. At least one grant will be awarded per city zone if a qualified application is received.

Key Dates

April 17, 2026 — Applications open

April 30, 2026 — Application deadline (11:59 PM)

May 10, 2026 — Awardees announced

June–July 2026 — Community engagement events during the FIFA World Cup

City Zones

Showcase Atlanta is committed to funding events across all six city zones. Priority zones receive additional scoring consideration.

Priority Zones

Zone 1 (Northwest): Ashview Heights, Collier Heights, Grove Park, Hunter Hills, Vine City, Washington Park, West Lake

Zone 3 (Southeast): Adair Park, Capitol View, Chosewood Park, Joyland, Lakewood Heights, Mechanicsville, Peoplestown, Pittsburgh, Polar Rock, South Atlanta, Summerhill, Sylvan Hills

Zone 5 (Downtown/Midtown): Castleberry Hill, Centennial Place, English Avenue neighborhood, Georgia Tech, Home Park, Old Fourth Ward, Piedmont Park, SoNo

Zone 6 (East): East Atlanta, Candler Park, Cabbagetown, Edgewood, Inman Park, Kirkwood, Lake Claire, Morningside, Old Fourth Ward, Reynoldstown, Virginia-Highland (Restricted to City of Atlanta limits only.)

Standard Zones

Zone 2 (Buckhead/Northeast)
Buckhead Village, Brookhaven, Garden Hills, Lenox, Lindbergh/Morosgo, North Buckhead, Peachtree Heights, Peachtree Hills, Pine Hills, West Midtown

Zone 4 (Southwest)
Adamsville, Ben Hill, Camp Creek Marketplace, Cascade, Greenbriar, Oakland City, Princeton Lakes, Venetian Hills, West End

Don't see your neighborhood? If your community is within Atlanta city limits, apply and note your location, we'll be in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Our neighborhood association operates as a civic group and doesn't hold a City of Atlanta business license or Georgia Secretary of State registration. Are we eligible?

To be eligible for funding, an organization must hold a City of Atlanta business license or be registered with the Georgia Secretary of State. NPUs and neighborhood associations that don't meet this requirement are encouraged to partner with an eligible organization. Partnering allows your group to participate fully while ensuring program requirements are met.

We're a community-based organization, but aren't formally registered. In the past I've applied to grants under the organization name, but as an individual. What's the best path for this grant?

Unregistered organizations aren't eligible to apply independently. To participate, please partner with an organization that meets the eligibility requirements (valid City of Atlanta business license or Georgia Secretary of State registration). The partner organization will receive and manage any awarded funds on your behalf.

If we're not a 501(c)(3) or registered business, can we use a fiscal agent?

Organizations that aren't a registered legal business entity or 501(c)(3) must partner with an eligible organization rather than use an outside fiscal agent. The partner organization will be responsible for receiving and managing grant funds in accordance with program guidelines.

Our business is physically located in Atlanta, but our license was issued by the City of Sandy Springs. Are we eligible?

Eligibility is tied to City of Atlanta licensing. Businesses must hold a valid City of Atlanta business license and be registered with the Georgia Secretary of State. A license from another jurisdiction, including Sandy Springs, doesn't meet this requirement.

Are organizations in Metro Atlanta communities just outside the listed city zones eligible?

No. Eligibility is limited to organizations operating within the designated City of Atlanta zones outlined in the program guidelines.

Are there other Showcase Atlanta programs we can apply for if we're not eligible for this grant?

At this time, there are no alternative Showcase Atlanta programs available to organizations that don't meet this grant's eligibility requirements.

Event Format

Does the event have to be a watch party?

Yes. All funded events must be structured as watch parties centered around FIFA World Cup 2026™ match screenings.

What other activities can we include alongside the watch party?

Applicants have significant flexibility in designing the full experience. As long as the watch party remains the centerpiece, events can include food vendors, cultural programming, live entertainment, community activities and more, provided everything aligns with program guidelines. 

Permitting and Licensing

Does Showcase Atlanta provide the FIFA Public Viewing License?

No. Showcase Atlanta does not hold a master FIFA Public Viewing License, and neighborhood events are not covered by a citywide agreement. Each event is responsible for securing its own license directly through FIFA's official public viewing portal: https://football.service-now.com/public_viewing?id=pv_home_page. We encourage applicants to review the requirements and apply early to ensure approval ahead of their event.

Do we need a City of Atlanta Special Events Permit in hand by the April 30 application deadline?

No. A permit does not need to be finalized by April 30. You may submit your application with a permit application in progress. Selected applicants will be required to provide proof of a submitted or approved permit before moving forward with funding. More information here: https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/executive-offices/office-of-special-events 

What other licenses or fees are we expected to cover?

Applicants are responsible for identifying and securing any additional licenses, permits or fees required for their specific event. Requirements vary based on location, size and activities, so please review City of Atlanta guidelines and plan accordingly.

Funding

How much funding will my organization receive?

Selected organizations will receive an activation grant of $3,000–$4,000. No additional funding is available through this program beyond the activation grant.

Vendors

What documentation do we need from our local small business vendors?

No documentation beyond what the application requests is required. Simply identify the Atlanta-based small businesses or vendors you plan to include, along with a brief description of what each will provide (for example: food, music, art).

Can we charge vendors a fee to participate or help cover event costs?

Yes. Vendors may be charged a participation fee, including fees intended to help cover event-related expenses. All vending must comply with City of Atlanta permitting requirements and, where applicable, must take place on approved private property with proper authorization. Note that the event itself must remain free and open to the public.

Can vendors charge for their products or services at the event?

Yes. Vendors may sell food, goods and services, subject to the same permitting and private-property requirements above. The event itself must remain free to attend.

Can we charge admission or charge for food at our event?

Events funded through this program must remain free and open to the public, admission cannot be charged. Vendors, however, may sell food and other goods in accordance with applicable permits.

Equipment

Are the screens for indoor or outdoor use? What are the specs?

Screens may be used for both indoor and outdoor events. We will provide a 16x9 LED screen and professional sound system. 

Do we get to keep the screen and sound system after the event?

No. All equipment provided is for temporary use only and must be returned after the event concludes.

When will I hear back?

All applicants will be notified by May 10, 2026. Questions? Email Connect@showcaseatlanta.com