John D. Rockefeller V Donates $3 Million to US Chess Federation

Transformative gift creates four new events
and enhances existing ones
 

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US Chess is pleased to announce that John D. Rockefeller V has donated three million dollars to our organization, the largest single gift ever presented to US Chess in our 81-year history. It is impossible to overstate the importance to US Chess of Rockefeller’s unprecedented generosity and his vote of confidence in the future of our organization. The donation creates four events, enhances three existing events, renames one, adds to the scholarship funds for the scholastic events, and creates a book fund to further strengthen the invitationals. The endowments ensure the tournaments will be run and the funds will be awarded in perpetuity. This all directly speaks to our 501(c)(3) educational mission to “empower people, enrich lives, and enhance communities through chess.”

US Chess members can access the December issue  by clicking here. 

The article itself is available to everyone by clicking here.

John D. Rockefeller Sr. established the Rockefeller Foundation in 1913. Ever since, the Rockefeller family has embraced this legacy. Rockefeller V explains, “Using wealth to shape the future is something Rockefellers have done for a long time. Starting in August of 2019, but especially during the first two months of COVID-19 in America, I decided it was time for me to do my part to continue the family legacy. I’ve never done anything approaching this scale of giving.”

US Chess Executive Carol Meyer says, “John’s enthusiasm for scholastic chess is virtually unmatched. He is an unwavering optimist, believing in the transformative power of the game to improve the lives of young players through competition, study, and friendships. US Chess and our community are grateful for his leadership giving and vision, which will extend invitational chess tournaments to more players across the various ages of membership.”

If after reading this article you are feeling inspired to make your own gift, please see our Giving Tuesday page.