Chess Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Chess Foundation is a private foundation in Purchase, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $788,000 in 37 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $50,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$788,000
- Number of grants37
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$14.7 million
- New grantees24%
Giving in 2025 was up from $618,000 the year before.
24% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $527,000 | 35 | $12.6 million |
| 2024 | $618,000 | 38 | $13.7 million |
| 2025 | $788,000 | 37 | $14.7 million |
How to apply
Chess Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Chess Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 22 | $455,000 |
| Connecticut | 5 | $170,000 |
| Maryland | 2 | $60,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $35,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $25,500 |
| Georgia | 1 | $25,000 |
| Kansas | 1 | $10,000 |
| Maine | 2 | $7,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| King School | General support | $50,000 |
| New Heights Youth | General support | $50,000 |
| Soccer Without Borders | General support | $50,000 |
| Trinity College | General support | $50,000 |
| Youth Enrichment Services | General support | $50,000 |
| Jay Heritage Center | General support | $38,000 |
| Capital Squash Inc | General support | $35,000 |
| Children's Aid | General support | $35,000 |
| City Growers | General support | $35,000 |
| Friends of Rye Nature Center | General support | $35,000 |
| Girl Scouts of Greater New York | General support | $35,000 |
| Everytown for Gun Safety | General support | $25,000 |
| Feeding Westchester | General support | $25,000 |
| Focus for Future | General support | $25,000 |
| Gifford Law Center | General support | $25,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity | General support | $25,000 |
| Harlem Academy | General support | $25,000 |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | General support | $25,000 |
| Pan Massachusetts Challenge | General support | $25,000 |
| New City Parks | General support | $15,000 |
| Bread of Life | General support | $10,000 |
| Fisher House Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| Friends of Rye Town Park | General support | $10,000 |
| NPR | General support | $10,000 |
| Rye Presbyterian Church | General support | $10,000 |
| Rye YMCA | General support | $10,000 |
| Sandy Hook Promise Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| Wounded Warrior Project | General support | $10,000 |
| Camp Timanous | General support | $5,000 |
| Carver Center | General support | $5,000 |
| Rye Free Reading Room | General support | $5,000 |
| Rye Historical Society | General support | $5,000 |
| Rye Youth Council | General support | $5,000 |
| North Yarmouth Academy | General support | $2,500 |
| Port Chester-Rye-Rye Book Emergency Medical Services | General support | $1,000 |
| Rye Fire Dept | General support | $1,000 |
| VGC Foundation | General support | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Scott Wallach
- Caroline Wallach
Questions people ask
Does Chess Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Chess Foundation give?
$788,000 in tax year 2025, across 37 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs Chess Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Scott Wallach (Trustee) and Caroline Wallach (Trustee).
What does Chess Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and environment and conservation.