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, 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

Do I need to be a 501(c)3 to apply?

No. Neighborhood associations, NPUs, civic clubs, and faith communities are all eligible. You do need a valid City of Atlanta business license or Georgia Secretary of State registration, and you must be able to receive payment via invoice.

Can a business apply?

Businesses may not apply on their own. If your business wants to anchor an event, you must formally partner with a neighborhood association, NPU, or community organization, who must serve as the applicant of record.

What does Showcase Atlanta provide?

Every awardee receives an outdoor LED screen and professional sound system, coordinated and delivered by Showcase Atlanta. Your grant covers everything else.

How long can the event be?

Events can be 1 to 3 days in length. All events must screen at least one FIFA World Cup match and must be free and open to the public throughout.

Can I apply for more than one event?

You may submit one application per organization. If you are planning a multi-day event, describe the full scope in your application.

What is the grant used for?

Security, local food and merchandise vendors, cultural and musical programming, event marketing, site setup, ADA accommodations, and cleanup. Grant funds cannot be used for alcohol.

Do I need a permit for my event?

That depends! Yes, if you plan to have an event on any City of Atlanta property. No, if you plan to have the event on private property, we only need a signed approval letter from the property owner.

All funded events must comply with City of Atlanta Special Events Permit requirements. You must either host your event indoors or hold a valid outdoor Special Events Permit before your first grant payment is released. Showcase Atlanta does not assist with permitting and is not liable for unpermitted events. For information on the City of Atlanta Special Events Permit process, visit the City of Atlanta Office of Entertainment website.

When will I hear back?

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