Bellingham Gets $236K as Seattle Region Receives $32.3M FIFA Grant

By BRIAN HENDERSON · June 4, 2026 · PNW Daily

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The City of Bellingham will receive $236,212 in federal funding to support public safety and emergency preparedness efforts tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Bellingham City Council’s Public Health, Safety, Justice and Equity Committee reviewed the funding agreement this week. The grant will help the city prepare for World Cup-related activities, including fan events planned throughout the tournament.

Grant documents show the funding comes through the Fiscal Year 2026 FIFA World Cup Grant Program, a FEMA initiative designed to help communities strengthen security and emergency response capabilities ahead of the international event. SeattleFWC26, the nonprofit organization coordinating regional preparations, will administer the grant.

Bellingham has emerged as one of several communities hosting official fan zone activities during the tournament. City officials say the funding will support planning and coordination efforts as thousands of soccer fans gather for watch parties and related events next summer.

Part of a Larger Regional Security Effort

While Bellingham’s grant totals $236,212, the city is one of several jurisdictions participating in a broader World Cup security initiative across Western Washington.

Federal officials awarded $32.25 million to support World Cup security operations across the Seattle host region. The funding will help law enforcement agencies, emergency managers and public safety partners prepare for one of the largest sporting events ever held in the Pacific Northwest.

Regional FIFA World Cup Grant — $32.25 Million Breakdown

$22.2M

Operational support, overtime and emergency operations staffing

$6.3M

Security and emergency response equipment

$1.84M

Planning and security protocols

$150K

Training activities

$150K

Emergency exercises and preparedness drills

Source: FY 2026 FIFA World Cup Grant Program, FEMA / SeattleFWC26. Bellingham’s subaward: $236,212

Seattle will host six World Cup matches in 2026. Because of that, federal officials created the grant program to help host cities and nearby jurisdictions strengthen security and emergency response capabilities.

Grant documents state that agencies can use the money for planning, training, exercises, equipment and operational coordination. Those efforts aim to help communities prepare for and respond to threats or emergencies during World Cup events.

The committee’s recommendation will now move to the full Bellingham City Council for consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Bellingham receiving FIFA World Cup grant funding?

Bellingham is an official FIFA Fan Zone community and sits between the two host cities of Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Federal officials created the FIFA World Cup Grant Program to help host cities and nearby communities strengthen security and emergency response capabilities ahead of the 2026 tournament. The city plans watch parties at Kulshan Trackside and downtown that could draw thousands of fans including international visitors.

How much is Bellingham receiving and what will the city spend it on?

Bellingham will receive $236,212. According to grant documents, the city plans to use the funds for staffing, overtime, equipment and training to support security during fan zone events. The city’s budget includes $130,836 for salaries and benefits, $103,836 for equipment and $1,540 for management and administration.

What is the total FIFA World Cup security grant for the Seattle region?

Federal officials awarded $32.25 million to support World Cup security operations across the Seattle host region. The funding covers operational overtime, emergency response equipment, security planning, training and preparedness exercises for law enforcement agencies and emergency managers throughout the region.

Has the Bellingham City Council approved the grant?

Not yet. The Public Health, Safety, Justice and Equity Committee reviewed the funding agreement this week and the recommendation now moves to the full Bellingham City Council for final consideration.