Sherrill announces $5M World Cup grants; Hackettstown, Flemington, Rockaway events among recipients

NEW JERSEY – Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced $5 million in grants to support community events and fan experiences across New Jersey ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with several local events in northwest New Jersey among the recipients.

The funding, distributed through the NJ World Cup Community Initiative, will support 34 organizations hosting fan zones, street fairs, festivals and watch parties designed to boost small businesses and bring World Cup excitement to communities statewide.

Among the recipients are the Hackettstown Street Fair with World Cup Celebration (July 19), organized by the Hackettstown Business Improvement District; “The Halfway Point: Flemington’s World Cup Celebration” (June 19), hosted by the Flemington Improvement District; and the Tri-County Fair 2026 (June 18–21) in Rockaway, run by the CARE Center of New Jersey.

“The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase New Jersey on the global stage, and we want to make sure all New Jerseyans can join in on the festivities,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “These grants will help ensure that the benefits of hosting the World Cup extend beyond the walls of the stadium. Through this initiative, we are supporting small businesses and empowering communities across New Jersey to create exciting experiences that bring residents and visitors together throughout our state ahead of the tournament, and during the World Cup.”

The initiative, developed and funded by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, aims to bring economic activity and tourism to communities across the state. Grants were awarded for both large-scale regional events and smaller local activations across North, Central and South Jersey.

“This initiative, launched by Governor Sherrill, will help turn the world’s largest sporting event into an economic driver for local communities and small businesses across New Jersey,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Evan Weiss. “I appreciate the collaboration between Governor Sherrill, Choose New Jersey, and the NYNJ Host Committee to ensure the FIFA World Cup brings communities together and has a meaningful impact in every corner of the state.”

Officials said the grants will help fund events such as watch parties, festivals and cultural celebrations, many of which will be tied into the World Cup host committee’s regional rewards program designed to encourage visitors to explore local businesses.

“Choose New Jersey is proud to support this initiative by helping bring these community-driven ideas to life,” said Amy Herbold, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “By administering the grant process and working directly with local partners, we are helping ensure these events are impactful, inclusive, and reflective of New Jersey’s diverse communities, while also supporting small and local businesses that are vital to their success.”

“Our goal is to make the World Cup experience accessible and felt in every corner of our region,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee. “We’re grateful to Governor Mikie Sherrill for her leadership in helping bring this vision to life. These community events extend the tournament far beyond the stadium—creating authentic fan experiences that reflect the diversity, pride, and energy that define New Jersey, while ensuring residents and visitors alike can be part of this once-in-a-generation moment.”

Officials said the events will help extend the World Cup atmosphere beyond stadium venues into downtowns and neighborhoods across the state, creating opportunities for residents and visitors to participate in the global event locally.