US Chess Women and Girls Programming Grant

The US Chess Women and Girls Programming Grant is administered by US Chess in partnership with the Saint Louis Chess Club, a collaboration that began in 2019 to expand access and participation in chess among underrepresented groups. US Chess serves as the national governing body for chess in the United States, supporting players, clubs, and educational initiatives across the country. This grant program reflects a targeted effort to address gender disparities in chess participation by funding initiatives that attract, educate, and retain women and girls within the chess community. The primary purpose of the program is to support projects that promote engagement in chess among women, girls, and gender minorities. Funded activities are expected to provide meaningful opportunities for learning, participation, and advancement in chess, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility. While US Chess encourages activities such as workshops and tournaments, particularly those designed for beginners or all-girls participation, the program remains open to a wide range of creative and locally tailored project ideas that align with its mission. Funding is provided in the form of competitive grants ranging from 1000 to 10000 dollars per project. These funds may be used to support programmatic expenses associated with delivering chess-related activities, though specific allowable cost categories are not explicitly detailed in the source material. There is no stated matching requirement, and applicants are expected to independently manage compliance costs such as background checks and insurance coverage. Projects must take place within the defined program window, which runs from September 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501c3 status, public schools, and US Chess affiliates that also hold nonprofit status. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must demonstrate the capacity to manage program logistics and compliance requirements. Additional eligibility conditions include adherence to US Chess Safe Play Policy, maintaining limited liability insurance, and ensuring that all staff or volunteers involved in events undergo background checks or provide proof of recent checks within the past three years. The application process requires submission by a specified deadline for consideration in the initial review round. The first-round deadline is August 15, 2026 at 5 p.m. CDT, although US Chess reserves the right to accept late submissions or extend the deadline at its discretion. While the exact submission platform and required application components are not detailed in the provided material, applicants are expected to propose a project that benefits a group rather than individuals and demonstrates a clear intent to achieve at least 50 percent participation from women, girls, or gender minorities. Evaluation criteria are implied through the stated requirements and goals of the program, including alignment with the mission to promote female participation in chess, organizational readiness, and compliance with safety and reporting standards. Award recipients are required to adhere to reporting obligations, including providing updates, sharing data, and submitting a final summary report at the conclusion of the project period. Notification timelines are not explicitly stated, but funding decisions are expected to precede the program start date in September 2026. This grant appears to be part of a recurring funding cycle, as indicated by the designation of a 2026 to 2027 cycle and the historical continuation of the partnership since 2019. Future cycles are likely to follow a similar annual timeline, making this opportunity relevant for organizations seeking sustained programmatic support in promoting gender equity in chess.

Emphasize achieving at least 50 percent participation from women and girls and align programming clearly with educational and engagement goals in chess.