Ocean State 2026 Chairman and R.I. General Treasurer James A. Diossa says Rhode Island will need roughly $4 million to $5 million to fully tap into tourism opportunities tied to next summer’s FIFA World Cup matches in nearby Foxborough, Mass.
So far, however, it is unclear where the funding will come from.
The nonprofit group was formed to help the state take advantage of a projected $330 million windfall.
The group recently started accepting “pre-applications” for a community grant program, touting amounts of between $1,000 and $500,000, but acknowledged it does not have any committed funding yet.
The group said its “Rhode Island Summer of Soccer” initiative is looking for community groups to help produce or promote events that include cultural festivals, public films, artistic performances, soccer clinics or tournaments or food-related activities.
Up to 1 million visitors could come to the region for the World Cup matches.
