FIDE Announced €1.6 Million Development Fund for 2026; €400,000 allocated to Empower National Chess Federations
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has officially approved its 2026 development budget, marking a significant investment in the growth of chess worldwide. Central to this plan is a €400,000 allocation specifically for National Chess Federations, designed to stimulate local growth and professionalize chess administration globally.
This funding is to be distributed using the FIDE Development Index (FDI), a tiered system that categorizes federations from Level 1 to Level 5. This data-driven approach ensures that financial aid is proportional to a federation’s needs, with a heavy emphasis on supporting emerging chess nations.
Strategic Support for National Federations
The €400,000 earmarked for National Federations will focus on three core pillars:
- Capacity Building: Grants will be available for the training of national trainers, arbiters, and organizers, creating a professional infrastructure within each country.
- Grassroots Development: Support for national youth championships and school programs to expand the player base at the foundational level.
- Governance and Digitalization: Funding to assist federations in modernizing their administrative tools and improving communication with their members.
“The National Federations are the heartbeat of the chess world,” said the FIDE Planning and Development Commission (PDC). “By dedicating €400,000 directly to these bodies, we are empowering local leaders to build sustainable chess cultures that reflect the unique needs of their communities.”
Full 2026 Budget Breakdown:
- National Chess Federations: €400,000
- Continental Support: €400,000
- Educational Projects: €540,000
- Zones & Supra-National Associations: €150,000
- Veteran & Women’s Chess: €200,000
In addition to direct grants, National Federations will benefit from the Open Aid Project, providing up to €5,000 for individual tournament organizers, and a €2 million travel subsidy pool to ensure high attendance at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.
Federations are encouraged to prepare project pitches immediately. Evaluation will be based on social impact, gender equality, and long-term sustainability.