FIDE and the International School Chess Federation are bankrolling proven chess-in-education programs through a new grant initiative tied to 2026's designated Year of Chess in Education. The "Chess in Education" Grant Program targets projects that have already run successful pilots and shown real results, not experimental concepts.
This is a scaling operation, not an incubator. Organizations with working programs can apply for funding to expand their reach into more schools and classrooms. The initiative reflects a deliberate strategy to embed chess as a legitimate educational tool that develops critical thinking, creativity, and social skills in children.
Applications are still open, which means now is the moment for schools and chess federations sitting on proven models to make their case. If your program works on a small scale and you've measured the impact, FIDE wants to hear the pitch.
The timing matters. 2026 as the official Year of Chess in Education isn't just ceremonial. It signals institutional commitment at the highest levels of international chess governance. Programs that land grants now position themselves to grow substantially within the next two years, potentially influencing how chess is taught across multiple continents. For educators and federations with successful track records, this window won't stay open forever.