ISCF Launches “Chess in Education” Grant Program as Part of the Year of Chess in Education 2026
Following the joint announcement by the International School Chess Federation and FIDE declaring 2026 the Year of Chess in Education, ISCF is launching the “Chess in Education” Grant Program — a global initiative designed to scale proven educational projects that integrate chess into school systems.
The program builds on a shared vision to bring chess closer to classrooms worldwide and strengthen its role as a tool for developing critical thinking, creativity, and social skills among children.
Supporting What Already Works
The grant program is specifically designed for projects that have already completed a pilot phase and demonstrated measurable educational impact. Its goal is to expand and strengthen existing “Chess in Education” initiatives, rather than fund new concepts.
By supporting scalable and structured programs, ISCF aims to accelerate the global integration of chess into formal education — one of the key priorities of the Year of Chess in Education 2026.
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to:
Eligible applicants must already be implementing a chess-based educational program in school settings for at least one academic year.
Program Structure
The competition will be conducted in two stages:
At the conclusion, three projects will be awarded grant funding and recognized at the Grand Final Tournament.
A Global Initiative
The program is open across all four FIDE continents:
It complements the broader international calendar of events under the Year of Chess in Education, including the World Schools Team Championship League 2026 and other educational initiatives worldwide.
Key Dates
Reporting Timeline
Driving Impact Through Education
Selected projects must demonstrate:
Funding is allocated exclusively for scaling existing programs, ensuring long-term and sustainable impact.
Apply Now
As part of the global Year of Chess in Education 2026, ISCF invites organizations to expand their impact and become part of a growing international movement.
👉 Register here
For inquiries: edu@ischoolchess.com
The program builds on a shared vision to bring chess closer to classrooms worldwide and strengthen its role as a tool for developing critical thinking, creativity, and social skills among children.
Supporting What Already Works
The grant program is specifically designed for projects that have already completed a pilot phase and demonstrated measurable educational impact. Its goal is to expand and strengthen existing “Chess in Education” initiatives, rather than fund new concepts.
By supporting scalable and structured programs, ISCF aims to accelerate the global integration of chess into formal education — one of the key priorities of the Year of Chess in Education 2026.
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to:
- Schools (public and private)
- Educational organizations and NGOs
- Foundations and social enterprises
Eligible applicants must already be implementing a chess-based educational program in school settings for at least one academic year.
Program Structure
The competition will be conducted in two stages:
- Stage 1: Open call and initial selection
- Stage 2: Detailed project evaluation
At the conclusion, three projects will be awarded grant funding and recognized at the Grand Final Tournament.
A Global Initiative
The program is open across all four FIDE continents:
- Asia
- Americas
- Europe
- Africa
It complements the broader international calendar of events under the Year of Chess in Education, including the World Schools Team Championship League 2026 and other educational initiatives worldwide.
Key Dates
- Stage 1 Launch: 00:00 (GMT+5), April 7, 2026
- Application Deadline: 23:59 (GMT+5), July 31, 2026
- Notification of Finalists: after August 15, 2026
- Stage 2 Deadline: October 31, 2026
- Winners Announcement: December 24–30, 2026 (at the Grand Final)
- Grant Period Start: December 2026 (TBC)
Reporting Timeline
- Interim Report: after 6 months
- Final Report: after 12 months
Driving Impact Through Education
Selected projects must demonstrate:
- Proven results and measurable outcomes
- A structured educational methodology
- Readiness for scaling
- Real implementation in school environments
Funding is allocated exclusively for scaling existing programs, ensuring long-term and sustainable impact.
Apply Now
As part of the global Year of Chess in Education 2026, ISCF invites organizations to expand their impact and become part of a growing international movement.
👉 Register here
For inquiries: edu@ischoolchess.com
