Showcase Atlanta Launches $150,000 Community Engagement Grant
Neighborhood-led events bring the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to every corner of Atlanta
ATLANTA—Showcase Atlanta today announces the Showcase Atlanta Community Engagement Grant, a $150,000 investment that will bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ directly to Atlanta neighborhoods through free, public community events hosted by local organizations and small businesses.
Launching today, the grant will fund up to eight neighborhood-led events across all six city zones during the World Cup this summer. Every selected neighborhood will receive a professional screen and sound system, plus a community activation grant to bring their event to life.
“You shouldn’t need a ticket to experience the World Cup in Atlanta. This is one of the greatest stages in the world, and Atlanta has earned its place on it, but a great city is defined by more than its stadiums. It’s defined by our neighborhoods, our people, and our culture,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “This grant ensures that every Atlantan, in every corner of our city, has the opportunity to be part of this great moment.”
Applications are open now at ShowcaseAtlanta.com/community-grants and will be accepted through April 30, 2026. Awardees will be announced on May 10, 2026.
The grant reflects the core mission of Showcase Atlanta: ensuring that major global events happen with Atlanta’s communities, not to them. Priority consideration will be given to neighborhoods not immediately adjacent to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with bonus scoring for events in the Westside, Southwest Atlanta, the Southside and the International Corridor along Buford Highway, ensuring World Cup energy reaches every part of the city.
"This grant puts resources directly into the hands of the neighborhoods, organizations and small businesses that make Atlanta what it is, and gives them the platform to show the world,” said Showcase Atlanta Interim Executive Director Lamar Stewart. “These aren't just events. They're investments in the people who show up for this city every single day, long after the cameras are gone.”
To be eligible, applicants must be a neighborhood association, community-based organization, nonprofit or similar community entity based in the City of Atlanta. Small businesses may apply in a formal partnership with a neighborhood association or NPU. All funded events must be free and open to the public and must include at least one Atlanta-based small business or vendor.
Activation grants range from $3,000 to $4,000 based on expected attendance and zone priority. Every awardee also receives production infrastructure, a professional screen and sound system, provided directly by Showcase Atlanta.
KEY DATES
April 17, 2026 — Applications open
April 30, 2026 — Application deadline
May 10, 2026 — Awardees announced
June–July 2026 — Community engagement events during the FIFA World Cup
August 2026 — Program closeout
To apply or learn more, visit ShowcaseAtlanta.com/community-grants.
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About Showcase Atlanta
Showcase Atlanta is a City of Atlanta initiative, led by Mayor Andre Dickens, built on a simple and powerful conviction that major global events should happen with Atlanta and not to Atlanta. Through neighborhood kickoffs, pep rallies, international delegation receptions and small business readiness tools, Showcase Atlanta creates pathways for residents, entrepreneurs and community organizations to participate in, and be celebrated on, the world stage. Showcase Atlanta is made possible through the commitment of partners, including the Atlanta Fulton County Recreation Authority; Presenting Sponsor, Delta Air Lines; Showcase Atlanta is Delivered by UPS; Silver Sponsor, Arrive; and Bronze Sponsor, Flock Safety. For more information, visit ShowcaseAtlanta.com.
