The Gift of Chess is a global initiative dedicated to promoting the game of chess as a tool for education, personal development, and social change.[1]

The Gift of Chess
FormationEST December 2020
FounderRussell Makofsky
PurposeHumanitarian
Headquarters308 West 46th Street, New York, New York, 10036
Official language
English
Key people
Tony Ballard (Director of Prison Outreach)


Tunde Onakoya (Director of Educational Outreach)


Josh Julian (Director of Refugee Outreach)


Susan Namangale (Global Head of The Gift of Chess)
AffiliationsUnited Nations
Staff
30 Ambassadors
Volunteers
1000+
Websitehttps://www.thegiftofchess.org

History

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The Gift of Chess was founded with the mission of making chess accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic background.[2] The organization’s founders believed that chess could be a powerful educational tool that enhances critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and cognitive development. By providing chess sets and educational resources, The Gift of Chess seeks to democratize access to the game and foster a love of learning and strategic thinking.[3]

In its early years, The Gift of Chess focused on distributing chess sets to schools, community centers, and youth organizations. The initiative quickly gained traction, with donations and support pouring in from chess enthusiasts and philanthropists.[4] The organization’s efforts were initially concentrated in underserved communities in the United States, but it soon expanded its reach to other countries.[5]

As The Gift of Chess grew, it established partnerships with various educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and chess federations around the world.[6] These collaborations enabled the organization to reach a wider audience and provide more comprehensive support.[7] The Gift of Chess began organizing tournaments, workshops, and training sessions to further promote the game and support emerging talents.[8]

References

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  1. Murray (Mick), Mick (2024-03-21). "Chess Community Raises $11,000+ In New York Charity Walk". Chess.com. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  2. "Happy International Chess Day from The Gift of Chess!". Chess News. 2023-07-22. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  3. Banjo, Noah (2022-04-09). "Makoko boy gets full scholarship from US varsity chess master". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  4. https://www.reuters.com/sports/nigerian-chess-prodigy-makes-move-social-change-2023-07-28/
  5. "PS 10 students in Brooklyn receive chess sets, learning valuable lessons from game | abc7ny.com". abc7ny.com. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  6. "In early 2021, The Gift of Chess was born, with the goal of distributing 10,000 chess sets to public students across New York City". www.fide.com. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  7. Shabazz, Daaim (2023-07-15). ""The Gift of Chess" nabs Namangale as Global Head". The Chess Drum. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  8. "US chess charity appoints Malawian head of the body - Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi". www.nyasatimes.com. 2023-06-26. Retrieved 2024-07-23.