New US Chess Women Grant Cycle Opens

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.   

For this cycle, we are looking for projects organized by educational non-profits (501 c3), public schools and US Chess affiliates with non profit status. The projects should be planned for any time between October of 2023 through Summer 2024.  The deadline to be considered for the first round of applications is 5 PM PT on August 15, 2023 (extended from Aug 7). US Chess reserves the right to accept late applications or extend the deadline.  

Award bids will range between $1000 and $10,000.  

We encourage sustained activity like workshops, tournament series or classes. Don’t consider these suggestions as limitations, as we are open to creative ideas and applications that fit the needs of each organization. 

Apply here: https://forms.gle/zFfAVq3s8rVFoX118

Requirements:   

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  

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)  

Suggestions:    

Efficiency 

Creativity   

Intersections with other US Chess goals, such as reaching under-served communities, or chessplayers with disabilities. 

Need 

Geographic and organizational diversity (we are unlikely to choose multiple projects submitted by the same organization.) 

Apply here: https://forms.gle/zFfAVq3s8rVFoX118 and direct questions to jshahade@uschess.org