The FIDE Planning & Development Commission (PDC) manages the FIDE Development Fund (DF) and coordinates various targeted support programmes. These initiatives aim to strengthen national chess federations, continental bodies, zones, commissions, and affiliated organisations through financial assistance, chess equipment, services, and capacity building. Funding is allocated from FIDE’s annual budget and supports chess development as a sport, educational tool, and social activity worldwide.
The Development Fund is the core mechanism for institutional strengthening. It provides grants for projects aligned with FIDE’s strategic goals. Since 2019, it has supported hundreds of projects, with a strong focus on lower-development federations while also including direct support for FIDE Commissions.
One women’s national team in every federation.
Hosting rated and norm events (especially in lower-level federations).
Doubling the number of children engaged in educational chess.
Social impact projects (continuation of Year of Social Chess).
Integration of chess into school curricula (key focus for 2026 — Year of Chess in Education).
The guidelines aim to provide a clear framework regarding the FIDE Planning and Development funding programme’s general conditions, eligibility for funding assistance, covered expenses, the application process, and reporting.