2025-2026 Women and Girls Programming Grant Cycle Officially Open!

2025-2026 US Chess Women Grant Cycle Announcement

US Chess is happy to announce a new cycle of program grant funding to support efforts to educate, retain and promote women and girls in chess. These grants are supported by our partnership with the Saint Louis Chess Club, which began in 2019.

The focus for this year’s grant cycle is elementary-aged girls (ages 11 and younger). We encourage applicants to create programs and events tailored for young girls to be exposed to and grow in chess. Special consideration will be given to applicants who meet these criteria, however, all applicants promoting chess amongst female players are encouraged to apply.

Projects must be organized by educational non-profits (501c3), public schools and US Chess affiliates with non-profit status. The projects should be planned for any time between September 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026. The deadline to be considered for the first round of applications is 5 p.m. CDT on August 16, 2025. US Chess reserves the right to accept late applications or extend the deadline.

Award bids will range between $1,000 and $10,000.

US Chess encourages activities for projects that include chess workshops and chess tournaments (especially for beginners or all-girls). However, do not consider these suggestions as limitations, as we are open to creative ideas and applications that fit the needs of each organization. The intended goal is to promote women and girls to engage in chess and recognize the positive benefits of playing chess.

APPLY HERE

Requirements:

Program benefits a small or large group of US Chess members or potential members, rather than targeting specific individuals
Intent to attract 50%+ participation of girls, women and/or gender minorities in proposed project
Adherence to US Chess’s Safe Play Policy
Non-profit (501c3) status or public school status
Applicant agrees to run or confirm background check on any event or coaching staff (at the organization’s expense, or proof of recent background check within 3 years)
Limited Liability Insurance
Applicant is 18 years or older
Project promotes intended goal to empower and promote girls and women in chess
Adherence to reporting requirements (timely updates on grants, data sharing, summary report submission at end of program)