Metro Philadelphia<\/p>\n
Mayor Cherelle Parker announced a slate of initiatives on Friday that are aimed at ensuring neighborhoods across the city share in the economic and cultural impact of major global events coming to Philly in 2026.<\/p>\n
The plan includes a new Neighborhood Celebration Grant Program<\/a>, a free mobile app to connect residents and visitors with events citywide, and a business readiness guide for small businesses preparing for increased tourism tied to the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Week and the nation\u2019s 250th anniversary<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is about making sure every neighborhood in Philadelphia is part of this historic moment,\u201d said Parker.\u00a0\u201cWe are investing in our communities, connecting people to opportunity, and creating the conditions for our residents and small businesses to benefit as we prepare to welcome the world.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Investing in neighborhood celebrations\u00a0<\/p>\n The city will make $1 million available for community-based events through the Neighborhood Celebration Grant Program. Philadelphia-based nonprofit organizations can apply for competitive grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to support arts and cultural exhibitions, performances, historic commemorations and neighborhood beautification projects.<\/p>\n Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 24, with awards expected to be announced around May 22. All funded activities must take place in 2026 and reflect community input. Applications must be submitted via the Philadelphia City Fund at\u00a0philacityfund.org\/2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n Chief Deputy Mayor Vanessa Garrett Harley said the initiative is designed to empower local organizations.<\/p>\n \u201cCommunity organizations are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods,\u201d she said. \u201cThis program gives them the resources to bring people together, celebrate who we are, and make sure every corner of Philadelphia is part of 2026.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Launching Access Philly\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition to funding neighborhood events, the city is launching \u201c2026 Access Philly,\u201d a free, multilingual mobile app. Available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play, 2026 Access Philly allows users to discover events in real time, access\u00a0maps\u00a0and accessibility information, and explore offerings across every neighborhood.\u00a0<\/p>\n With Philadelphia set to host the FIFA World Cup<\/a>, MLB All-Star Week, and the nation\u2019s\u00a0Semiquincentennial, the app serves as a real-time hub for events across the city, from major attractions to neighborhood festivals<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe are preparing to welcome the world, and we want everyone to know where to go and how to be part of it,\u201d said Parker. \u201c2026 Access Philly puts the full experience of our city in people\u2019s hands and ensures residents and visitors can easily connect to everything happening across Philadelphia.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n City officials said the app, developed by the Office of Innovation and Technology, is intended to continue beyond 2026 as a long-term platform connecting residents, visitors and businesses.<\/p>\n Business Readiness Playbook\u00a0<\/p>\n