5 reasons you should apply for a scholarship

The Djuna Tree Chess Fund offers scholarships for women and girls who play chess. We can support you to join a chess club, join the English Chess Federation or your own national federation.

We can even support your team to play in the London Chess League’s women’s division, or an event in your own area, if you need help with running costs.

Here are the top 5 reasons you should apply for a scholarship:

1. There’s support for all abilities

Whether you’re a beginner, improver, or an experienced player, a scholarship can help you meet the costs of starting or continuing your chess career. There is no ability test for scholarship recipients — we just would love to know how much existing commitment to chess you have. Beginners are very welcome!

2. Focus on playing chess

Having a scholarship can mean being able to spend a little more of your money on studying a chess book or attending an event. The goal of the fund is to allow you to focus on chess.

3. Be part of the women’s chess revolution

Chess has been male-dominated in the past, but times are changing. In 2019 the English Chess Federation found that female participation nationally stands at 7.5%, with the target of doubling that by 2023.

The London Chess League will introduce a women’s division for 2023-24. More women and girls than ever are playing chess and we hope you will join us.

4. Join a supportive community

When you receive a scholarship, you don’t just benefit from the funds we offer — you get access to a community of women and girls all working together to improve our chess. You can have a ready-made network for support, and find where you belong in the chess world.

5. Money doesn’t need to be a barrier

The costs of joining a club or the ECF can be significant, especially if you are hoping to attend your first chess event. The Djuna Tree Chess Fund is an ideal opportunity for students, women and girls with low household incomes, or players who want to change clubs in search of an inclusive environment.

The fund can even support your women’s team to meet running costs of entering a chess event. Please contact us if you want to apply on behalf of a full team.

We hope you apply for a scholarship and we look forward to hearing from you!