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:

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

Resources & Download Playbooks

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 CupTM viewing experiences.

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.

Questions? See Grant FAQs Here

Have more questions about the Activate Snohomish Community Grant? 

Check out this PDF with Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us below if you can't find the answer you're looking for!

Webinar: How to Apply for the Activate Snohomish Community Grant

Watch a recording of our informational webinar guiding you on how to apply for the grant. 

Questions from business leaders around the community were also answered live.  

Snohomish County Hotel-Motel Small Fund Grant

Apply for additional grant funding through the Hotel-Motel Small Fund Grant! With LTAC, we will bring the beautiful game to Snohomish County.

The grant aims to grow visitation and overnights per Snohomish County Code (SCC) 4.40.060 for projects or purposes authorized under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 67.28. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) will judge each submission based on criteria measuring economic impact and projected hotel stays in your community, among other measurable outcomes.

Click the link to learn more, see FAQs and apply for the grant.

EASC: Your local business liaison for the FIFA World Cup 26 SeattleTM

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!

Apply for the Activate Snohomish Community Grant Program Here

Questions?

Reach out to us at Grants@EconomicAllianceSC.org.