Summer of Soccer Pre-Application for Event Grant Funding

Application deadline has passed.

Ocean State 2026 was created to facilitate business sponsorships of 39 days of events across Rhode Island, to entertain soccer fans from around the world, and to celebrate the international matches being played in nearby Massachusetts next summer. With this application, Ocean State 2026 seeks to identify those entities that require funding to support events that will showcase our collective love of the sport, or to celebrate the rich cultural and artistic tapestry that reflects our diverse communities. Summer of Soccer events should be scheduled for the period from June 13 through July 9, 2026. These events will not be sanctioned by any international governing body of soccer and should not refer to that entity or to imply any association with that organization’s licensed championship event.

This is a pre-application for grant funding. Limited information is requested at this time to ascertain interest from organizations as soon as possible. Responses to this application are due October 5, 2025. Additional (and more detailed) information will be required in November.

Funding requests ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 will be accepted from organizations. For those applicants representing multiple organizations or municipalities, requests will be accepted for amounts up to $500,000.

The pool of available funds is not yet known. Ocean State 2026 will be seeking sponsors to fund proposals. Therefore, identifying marketing benefits (i.e. naming rights, logo placements, identification in advertising) for sponsors will be viewed favorably.

Eligible applicants include but are not limited to nonprofit organizations, chambers of commerce, municipalities, business cooperatives and tourism regions. All applicants must be located in and authorized to do business in Rhode Island. To be eligible under this program, the organization must demonstrate the manner in which its proposal will aid tourism, hospitality and/or advance the advancement and adoption of soccer. Examples include: cultural festivals, public films, artistic performances, soccer clinics or tournaments, or food-related events.

If your proposal advances to the next round, you will be notified by November 7. Information that will be required by December 3 to advance in the selection process will include:

  • Budget detail

  • List of staff/volunteers and their respective qualifications, including past experience on engagement of this scope and size

  • Two letters that reference past experiences of the applicant to successfully execute an event of the proposed size and scope OR a letter of support from the city or town where the event is planned to take place.

  • All decisions of the review committee will be announced in January.

Other details: only one application will be accepted per event. Awards are anticipated to be announced and distributed in March of 2026.  No more than 10 percent of any award can be used to cover administrative costs.  Priority consideration will be given to applications that have low operating costs, serve large numbers of guests and provide opportunities for sponsor recognition.  Ocean State 2026 reserves the right to request modifications to all proposals prior to review or ultimate selection.  All costs associated with developing or submitting a proposal shall be borne by the applicant.

 

Initial proposals must be received by October 5, 2025 at 6 p.m. All submissions will be automatically acknowledged when received.

Questions should be directed by email to info@oceanstate26.com.