Questions and Responses
Can I apply to be entertainment during fan fest or a watch party?
Typically, this grant program will fund the organizer of the event, not a component. One exception could be municipal public safety support for an event. Entertainment may be a budget item for a watch party application.
Is this more geared towards tourism economic development or public safety costs?
Both
Can I apply for a non FIFA related event?
No, this grant round is only for FIFA World Cup related costs.
My idea is for a marketing / wayfinding project not related to a watch party or directly connected to matches/Fan Fest. Would that be eligible?
No, that would not be eligible for this round of grants.
Would we be permitted to host World Cup watch parties at restaurants owned by our Chamber business members, or would the grant also allow us to rent external venues to organize these events? Additionally, are there any restrictions or guidelines we should be aware of regarding venue selection?
Any grant funds spent at businesses owned by members of the lead organization and/or their family members must be consistent will Conflict-of-Interest requirements of the lead organization. Venue and event space is an eligible cost that can be included in application budget proposals. Venues should be selected in accordance with any procurement requirements of the organization. The grant program does not impose any additional restrictions or guidelines regarding venue selection.
Confirming eligibility: If our lead applicant is a Massachusetts-incorporated nonprofit with IRS 501(c) status, operating prior to Jan 1, 2025, and in good standing/current on taxes through Dec 31, 2024 would we be eligible as the lead applicant?
Yes, and please refer to the RFR for the full eligibility criteria.
If we are working with multiple sites, is it better to put in one application to cover a number of events (and attain letters of support from each city), or to put in separate applications for each event?
An organization can only submit one application, so it would need to be one application covering a number of events.
Local support documentation: As a nonprofit (non-municipal applicant), is a letter of support from the municipal CEO required at submission, and would a property owner letter also be needed if the venue is not owned by the applicant? What if the location is a public park ? or public location?
A letter of support from the municipal CEO is required. A letter from the property owner is strongly encouraged and will esult in a stronger, higher scoring application. If the location is a public park or public location, please discuss applicable permitting or licensing requirements in the application and demonstrate progress toward securing any required permits/licenses.
Can funds be used to send police officers to the World Cup Games to assist with security?
We will be reviewing public safety applications with expert input from EOPSS and MEMA, so we would strongly encourage this proposal to be developed by the applicant in consolution with EOPSS/MEMA as part of the overall public safety plan for matches.
Will public safety applicants like Police and Fire Departments be able to apply independently as public agencies, or would they apply together under the municipality?
Technically yes, but we would generally expect the municipality to be the applicant.
Is public safety overtime considered and eligible expense? (ie extra shifts for police officers, fire, ems)
Yes
Would viewing parties be able to have vendors who sell alcoholic beverages?
Yes, but state grant funds nor matching funds cannot be used to purchase alcohol.
Does MOTT know when FIFA will tell applicants when licenses will be approved?
No
Do we need to match revenue only or also expenses? For revenue, are TDMD funds allowed as revenue raised? If matching expenses are also required, can we include expenses we've made towards FIFA in 2022-2025?
Revenue from the event itself does not need to be matched. TDMD funds would be permissible funds to spend on match expenses. Match expenses must be eligible expenses per the grant program requirements. Match expenses must be funds spent in furtherance of the grant program objective and application proposal, not just available revenue. Match expenses must be incurred during the period of performance of the grant. Prior expenses are not generally eligible and MOTT is not responsible for any costs incurred in expectation of receipt of the grant unless or until approved during the application process and entirely subject to MOTT’s evaluation of each project’s budget, fit to purpose of the grant program, and necessity. MOTT will make absolutely no exceptions to proposed matching funds incurred prior to January 1, 2026.
Do you have a sense of magnitude of funding amounts? I see the max of 5 watch parties at no more than 400K, but are there opportunities for smaller grant funding awards?
$400,000 is what we anticipate is the maximum award amount for watch parties. There is no minimum, and we are eager to see what kind of applications are submitted.
When you say fund up to five watch parties do you mean 5 different awardees (who can hold multiple watch parties) or just 5 watch parties total throughout the Commonwealth.
Five different awardees who can hold multiple watch parties, and presumably the multiple watch parties would be connected geographicaly or thematically.
Is the FIFA viewing license per match?
The license is for the entire tournament. The application will ask for how many matches you plan to show.
Can an admission be charged for a watch party?
Yes, but generally we are looking to fund widely and easily accessible watch parties. Admissions and any other fees should be detailed in the application.
What documentation do we need to show for in kind donations?
No backup documentation is being collected during the application process. As part of the grant agreement close-out process, grantees should submit backup documentation that demonstrates both grant funds and match funds were spent on eligible costs, and that all spending corresponded to budgets approved during the contract process
Will you be providing a list of who is on the call so we can see who we can potentially partner with?
We do not plan to do this.
For future grant rounds, what counts as entertainment?
For a potential future grant round, that information would be included in the request for responses (RFR).
During the FIFA World Cup, the park will serve as a primary pedestrian corridor for the millions of visitors walking between the Foxboro trains at South Station to the Fan Fest on City Hall Plaza. We anticipate the need for dedicated resources to support visitor flow and safety, including enhanced wayfinding and signage, temporary restroom facilities, and additional safety support. Would we be eligible to apply for this grant?
Thank you for following up. As you are an eligible applicant, and the proposal entails public safety and transportation directly related to matches held at Boston Stadium, it would appear that the proposal could be eligible. Wayfinding and signage, temporary restroom facilities, and safety support are eligible cost under the grant program.
Do we need to turn in a public safety plan with the application or just explain that we have one?
Please explain that you have one, and it would be optional to attach.
Noted that expenses incurred before the start of the grant period are not eligible. When is the start of the grant period: when grantees are announced or when the grant agreements are signed? Is there a specific beginning of the grant period/eligible expense period?
The start of the grant period is when the contract is executed.
Are you allowed to host a series of watch parties at a few different venues under municipal auspices?
Yes
Where do we find FIFA’s guidelines on brand protection and IP guidelines?
FIFA Tournament Organization Brand Protection
Hi there! You mentioned up to 400,000, is there a minimum amount you guys are targeting to fund? and is 5 the most that will be funded for watch parties?
Both of these figures are subject to change based on what applications are submitted and the overall statewide funding picture.
Can the funds be used towards capital investments such as placemaking landmark installment?
No, this is not a capital grant program. MOTT's Destination Development Capital Grant program could be a fit for that type of project.
I work for a Town. Would we be able to work with a public university if we are the lead?
Yes
Where can we get a FIFA license?
If a City governemnet is the lead applicant working with a 501c3 nonprofit, can money 501c3 spends be considered match funds?
Yes
If the applicant is a municipality, which sorts of stakeholders would be helpful to see letters of support from?
Examples: business leaders, regional tourism council, elected officials, civic leaders
If we want to host more than one watch party, how to do we submit that in our application? The application currently does not allow for that.
Please include all location information in the project narrative.
Hello, I'm with a sports event rightsholder that *is not* related to FIFA Worldcup 2026. Is it correct to state that all 2026 dollars from this Fund are reserved for 2026 FIFA World Cup-related events, but in 2027 and beyond the fund will continue to operate and will be open to a broader variety of sporting events?
All dollars for this round are dedicated to FIFA-related purposes. Future grant rounds may be open ended but it is subject to appropriation. The underlying statute does not restrict to certain types of events but future appropriations could include restrictions.
Are matching funds required to be spent as well as raised? What date would they need to be spent by?
Matching funds and state funds need to be spent on the granted project by August 31, 2026.
Are funded watch parties going to be prioritized outside of the central Boston area? To not compete with the one at city hall
Geographic equity is a priority of the legislation and is included in the scoring rubric.
Could marketing consultation and coordination with RTC count towards donated consulting fees eligble for match?
Yes it could be. And the RTC could be a co-applicant rather than a provider of consulting services.
Will the watch party license holder have to be the principal applicant? Can we collaborate with someone like a local soccer club that wants to get the license but can we apply for the funds to reimburse them?
This arrangement could theoretically be eligible. In your application, please explain why you chose this arrangement.
I think you already answered this - but would you accept two separate applications from a municapility AND from a police department within that municipality? Or would they be expected to submit one overall application together?
Technically yes we would accept that, but it would be more straightforward to have one single application from the municipality and create a stronger and more cohesive plan. The municipal application should not have any duplicative public safety fees if separate applications are submitted.
$400,000 is for the total budget, including a $200,000 match or a total budget of $800,000 including grant and match?
$400,000 is what we anticipate as the maximum grant award for watch parties, plus a required match, so it would bring the grand total project budget to $800,000.
The watch party licensing portal for FIFA doesn’t have (United States) listed?
FIFA's Public Viewing Page includes information on United States licenses.
What is we were planning watch parties according to the countries? As immigrants we want to host watch parties, until the team are out of the games, so it will be more than 5
You must show at least one of the Boston Stadium matches, but beyond that you have flexibility on which matches to show.
To clariy for the smaller awards, if our matching funds is only $60,000 for watch parties, you wouldn't match us?
There is no minimum threshold and we will consider all eligible applications.
If we were just hearing about this opportunity now, do you think it is still feasible to get all licenses and permits required for a watch party?
You do not need all permits and licenses in hand by the time you apply, but we would like to see significant progress in that respect. It is not necessarily too late, but we would strongly encourage you to work on approvals as quickly as possible.
Is the more guidance or information for the FIFA licenses?
Please see the FIFA website or reach out to the Boston '26 host committee for potential guidance.
Are all grants funds reimbursement only? What about situations where we don't have the funds to pay for things up front (which is why we need the grant funds)?
We will reimburse when expenses are incurred, but they do not have to have been paid yet. This means funding can be released when you submit invoices (even if they're not paid yet) or signed contracts.
In what quarter will applications for 2027 be due? Even a best guess is helpful - thank you!
As it is entirely subject to appropriation, we cannot predict this.
Just to confirm, the event does not have to include a game watch party, correct? In other words, could it focus on a soccer-themed art installation with cultural activities instead?
No, the watch party event must include a viewing of at least one match being held at Boston Stadium.
When do you expect grant agreements to be signed?
As soon as is possible following the grant award announcements, but there is work to be done on the MOTT and awardee side to get to that point.
As a for-profit venue, would we be permitted to collaborate with multiple non-profits if they were to submit as separate/ different lead applicants?
We will review all eligible applications, including the potential for multiple eligible organizations to propose using the same venue. However, the venue may consider choosing one organization to partner with in order to put forward the strongest application.
As a nonprofit considering an application with local partners, can we use a watch party to raise funds to support our core mission?
Yes, as long as it does not violate any FIFA or Sports and Entertainment Events Fund rules. The intention to charge admission or any other fees should be detailed as part of the application.
In terms of a watch party- can there be multiples and can we accept food/beverage donations?
Yes, multiple days, matches, or locations can be acceptable. Yes, you should be able to accept food and beverage donations. Please note, any alcohol donations will not be eligible for match expenses.
If a local soccer club is the license holder but are working with a city to use the license, do they need to fill out the application or can the larger entity fill it out and still be considered.
This should be acceptable, as long as it is explained in the application and an acceptable arrangement under the terms of the viewing license.
Should a municipality include a letter of support from its mayor or town manager?
You may, but it is not required for a municipal application.
To clarify on the watch party location... Would an abutting City within the Metro Boston area be considered competitive still?
This could be eligible, yes. While geographic equity will be considered, we cannot opine on the competitiveness of this particular proposal.
I am the founder of a private parking business. My question is: for small, locally owned operators like ours that have demonstrated capacity and operational scale, what is the best way to proactively position ourselves with the organizations and entities that will be applying for this grant? Specifically, how can we gain visibility with applicants who may be seeking transportation, logistics, or operations partners and are there recommended channels, registries, matchmaking forums, or pre-award engagement processes where certified small businesses can connect with potential lead applicants or consortiums for this opportunity?
Please feel free to reach out to the Boston '26 host committee and please sign up for MOTT's industry newsletter through our website to be informed about any future business development opportunities related to the World Cup. Additional resources include regional tourism councils and chambers of commerce.
Am I understanding this correctly that if we partner with our local CVB that any funds they provide can be considered as a match?
Yes, those partner's funds spent on eligible costs can be considered match.
To be correct, the maximum award is $400k?
That is what we anticipate, but we reserve the right to make grant awards at any amount.
Could you please advise whether there are any alternative funding mechanisms or considerations for organizations that are unable to meet for example,$100,000 matching fund?
MOTT is not able to provide guidance regarding this question.
Can you post the MOTT website?
I know the grant app says we can't incur expenses prior to the contract signing, but how are you defining "incur"? For example, I'd like to include some advertising in it that would need to be booked now, though it wouldn't run until after the contract signing and wouldn't be invoiced until afterwards either. Is that ok?
This would be fine, as long as the invoicing and payment are dated after a potential grant contract start date.
I don't understand the disclosures clause. Do I just explain that or is this implying that I need to have some kind of policy in place? Is town-owned property the same as publicly owned? Are we subject to the labor disclosures if we are hiring event staff (through an event logistics company, for example)?
These are disclosures required by the legislation. The full list of them (and the required answers) are at the end of the application just before signature. There are three groups of requirements. The second and third only apply if the event would be held on publicly owned or leased property, with the second group only applying to construction projects. The third group is required only if it is a public procurement (Chapter 30B). The answers required are either “yes/no” or a short open-ended answer. We are not requiring any documents in the application but reserve the right to require specific documents at contract signing, during the grant period, and/or at the final report.
Specifically on the first group, the first two questions ask assurances that the applicant and any contractors/vendors are in compliance with anti-discrimination laws. The third question asks whether the applicant and any contractors/vendors have used union labor. The fourth question asks how the applicant and any contractors/vendors will ensure labor harmony. See Section 13W(c) here for the full text.
Would it be appropriate or beneficial to request a reference/support letter from DCR for events taking place on DCR-managed property?
We encourage applicants to advance as far as they can with the permit/licensing process. DCR may not be in a position to provide a letter of support but MOTT can’t speak for them.
Beyond the required municipal CEO letter, are there additional forms of local/state support documentation that would strengthen a watch party proposal?
Letters of support and progress toward required permits/licenses.
I'm having a hard time with budget because I'm waiting on FIFA to get back about license, should I guess or wait?
Please include what you know at time of application. We understand that the process can be slow. We have been told to expect approximately $1000 for small and medium watch parties and up to $10,000 for large ones, but those are best estimates from others.
Also, there is an administration portion. I know that historically with Grants, it's typically no more than 7-15% of the grant amount can be used for admin, but this one doesn't say anything about administrative fee or at least I missed it.
Application budgets should not have a broad "admin" category line. All costs must be sufficiently detailed.
Overhead costs are not eligible costs for grant funds or match funds. Employee time is not eligible for match funds. (Please note: employee time eligibility is currently under internal review. Any changes to this response would be included in version 2 of this document.) Salaries for employees working directly on the grant award (with the exception of safety or other service providers) should be capped at 10%. Salary costs exceeding that cap should detail a specific budget justification in the application and will likely negatively impact the overall application score.
Hopefully this question will be answered in the info session today, but the application only allows you to submit for one watch party. What if a municipality or organization wants to host more than one watch party? How do we submit for that request?
Multiple locations and multiple matches shown should be eligible as long as it is under one application. We do ask for an address in the application, but if there are multiple locations just please include that information in a narrative response in the application.
Next is, I'd like to help to promote our hotels and restaurants to those attending FIFA events are there ways that I can do that although they are for profit events.
As long as you are compliant with FIFA’s viewing license and IP regulations, you as an organization should feel free to promote your members as you see fit.