Three City grant programs open door for community-led arts, culture, and recreation events across every neighborhood.
When the world comes to Seattle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest moments will not only happen inside the stadium. They will happen on neighborhood streets, in community centers, at pop-up performances, youth soccer clinics, and gatherings dreamed up by Seattle residents themselves.
To help turn those ideas into reality, the City of Seattle is highlighting three accessible grant programs that offer $500 to $15,000 for smaller-scale arts, cultural, and recreation events that bring people together before and during the World Cup.
These investments are designed so that every neighborhood, not just those near match venues, can host celebrations and experiences that reflect the cultures, creativity, and spirit of Seattle.
Grants Available
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods – Small Sparks Grant
- Awards: up to $5,000
- Deadline: in order to be considered for World Cup-related events, applications should be submitted no later than April 22, 2026
- Supports: block-level events, cultural celebrations, performances, art projects, and community gatherings
- Website: https://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/community-grants/neighborhood-matching-fund
Seattle Office of Arts and Culture – smART Ventures
- Awards: up to $1,500
- Deadline: in order to be considered for World Cup-related events, applications should be submitted no later than April 1, 2026
- Supports: innovative arts and cultural projects, especially from new, diverse, and underserved communities
- Website: https://www.seattle.gov/arts/programs/grants/smart-ventures-grant
Seattle Parks and Recreation – Get Moving and Recreation for All
- Awards: up to $15,000
- Deadline: February 10, 2026
- Website: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/contracts-and-partnerships/partnership-opportunities/community-grant-programs/recreation-for-all-grant
Funding Tracks Include
- Get Moving Grant: Culturally relevant physical activities that address health disparities
- Recreation for All Grant: New, innovative recreation programs in City parks community centers
- The Beautiful Game Grant: Soccer and futsal programming running between June 24 – July 19 as part of official World Cup community activations
Whether it’s a poetry night paired with a watch party, a cultural parade through South Park, a Filipino street dance class in Lake City, or a youth futsal tournament in Rainier Beach, the City encourages residents to imagine experiences that reflect who Seattle is.
smART Ventures from the Office of Arts & Culture offers an entry point for first-time applicants and grassroots creatives. The program is designed to widen arts participation and support projects led by communities historically underrepresented in public funding.
Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Recreation for All Initiative ensures that movement and play are part of the celebration, with a focus on communities furthest from equity and on soccer programming tied directly to the World Cup window.
And through DON’s Neighborhood Matching Fund’s Small Sparks Fund grant, neighbors can move quickly, applying on a rolling basis for the kinds of hyper-local ideas that make blocks feel like home.
How to Get Started
Community members can apply directly to any of the three programs. City staff are available to help residents brainstorm ideas, understand eligibility, and complete applications. No previous grant experience is required.
For assistance, contact:
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods: NMFund@seattle.gov
Officer of Arts & Culture: SmARTVentures@seattle.gov
Seattle Parks and Recreation: SPRFunds4All@seattle.gov
Media Contact: Zachary Pullin, zachary.pullin@seattle.gov
