Activate Snohomish Community Grant Program

Get game-ready with Activate Snohomish!

The Activate Snohomish Community Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity developed and administered by Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) to support local readiness and engagement ahead of FIFA World Cup 26 Seattle™. Funded by the Seattle Foundation with support from the Washington State Department of Commerce, this program provides targeted investments to help Snohomish County businesses, nonprofits, and communities capitalize on the unique tourism, economic, and cultural opportunities presented by the tournament.

As the designated small business liaison to the Snohomish Local Organizing Committee, EASC is leading this effort to ensure that local stakeholders are equipped to welcome global visitors, enhance their visibility, and activate commercial and community spaces during this world-class event.

Apply for the Activate Snohomish Community Grant Program Here

Key Eligibility

Applicants must be located in Snohomish County. Grant applications will open October 1, 2025, and close December 1, 2025. Grant awardees will be notified January 19, 2026.

Program Objectives

Support Snohomish County businesses and communities in maximizing the economic and cultural benefits of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Strengthen local readiness and visibility along the I-5 corridor between Vancouver and Seattle.
Promote tourism, hospitality, and community pride through events, marketing, and business enhancements.

Grant Tracks

There are a total of $85,000 available for community grantmaking. Funds will be distributed across two grant tracks:

Track A: Community Activation Grants (Up to $35,000)
Grant Amounts: $2,500 – $10,000
Estimated Awards: 4-8

Awarded to nonprofits, chambers of commerce, cities, or community-based organizations for the following eligible uses:

Public watch parties
Tourism-focused marketing (maps, itineraries, printed guides)
Temporary art installations or signage
Community corridor enhancements (flags, planters, temporary wayfinding)

Track B: Small Business Grants (Up to $50,000)
Grant Amounts: $1,000 – $5,000
Estimated Awards: 10-30

Awarded directly to small businesses within Snohomish County, for the following eligible uses:

Physical improvements (awnings, paint, signage)
Marketing and FIFA-themed promotions
Temporary staffing costs
Hosting expenses for match-related events

Planning to host a watch party?

The Seattle Sports Commission has developed a comprehensive Watch Party Playbook to help businesses, organizations and jurisdictions plan safe, welcoming and memorable FIFA World Cup^TM viewing experiences.

Access the Seattle Sports Commission Watch Party Playbook here

Promote your business and region to visitors

Seattle NorthCountry has created a marketing toolkit tailored to Snohomish County tourism partners providing graphics, messaging and strategic guidance to help businesses engage with the international audience traveling through our region.

Access the Seattle NorthCountry FIFA Marketing Toolkit here

EASC: Your local business liaison for the FIFA World Cup 26 Seattle^TM

As Snohomish County’s designated small business liaison to the FIFA World Cup 26 Seattle™ Local Organizing Committee, EASC is here to help businesses and community partners prepare and connect. Stay tuned for upcoming events, business roundtables, and resource briefings.

To receive updates, join our mailing list here!