US Chess Re-Opens Bids for Schiffrin Rapids: "Chess is a Link to STEM"

US Chess is thrilled to announce a grant application process for a Women and Girls’ Blitz and/or Rapid Event in 2023 (extended deadline), funded by a generous donation from Richard and Barbara Schiffrin. The Schiffrin family, who are also longtime sponsors of the Ruth Haring Tournament of State Champions, see chess as gateway to other fields in which women and girls are under-represented. Richard was an executive producer on our award-winning video, Girls in Chess, which was directed by Jenny Schweitzer. As he put it: "Chess is a link to STEM fields because it teaches relational and abstract thinking, along with patience and perseverance."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iOJ6QHHwmQ

The event sponsorship will support a $10,000 prize fund. The organizer can charge an entry fee (though they are not required to) to cover operating costs of the event.

US Chess is opening up the application process for US Chess affiiliates/non profits to bid on this exciting event. Please submit your proposal in MS Word or pdf by January 30, 2023 (extended deadline) by using this google form OR by emailing jshahade@uschess.org with the following information included:

1. Venue

2. Dates (applicants with time frames from April to Nov 2023 preferred) 

3. Tournament structure, proposed sections and prize fund breakdown*

4. Potential outreach or estimated turnout

5. A short statement on why you think this tournament will be of great value for your community.

6. Budget (please consider attaching this as an excel file or google sheets link.)

Guidelines and Criteria

1. Winning bid must show proof of General Liability insurance and 501 c3 status

2. There may be a limited budget for a runner-up bid. *Please indicated if you are interested in this.

3. Winning bid is responsible for event logistics and organization, and required to report on the event, with games, photos and write up, and distribute surveys upon request.

4. Bidders may charge an entry fee for tournament operating costs or to help make the event possible for a broader group of players. Winning bids are also welcome to get additional sponsors to support costs like trophies and travel for top players. However, the bid itself will not be considered if it is contingent on raising additional money (in excess of the award) that hasn't been secured at the time of applying.

5. Senior or adult prizes highly recommended.

6. Applications that attach the event to a larger festival are also acceptable, as long as the funding is only for the Women's Blitz/Rapids. 

Please outline in your application your approximate and anticipated entry fee, # of entries, and expenses.

Google form to apply: https://forms.gle/zAAb7kdacANE2jLi7