ECF Support for Grassroots Chess Development
ECF Grassroots Fund 5th Tranche
With the end of Trance 4 on 1st June the Grassroots fund completed its first year. The East of England still has over half the 10,000 pounds allocated available to spend. In Tranche 4 we granted funds in the East of England Region for, chess sets to a school, website development for a club, funding to include chess in a schools Primary Enrichment Programme that covers 35 other schools, and chess sets for a congress. A copy of the latest version of the prospectus which gives details of the areas covered by the Grassroots Initiative and includes a link to the application form can be downloaded below. A reminder that the applications from Tranche 5 must be submitted by 1st September 2025. After that date they will be considered by the Review Panel. I have already received one application and 2 enquiries. You have time before the deadline but please don't leave it till the last minute as I do need to vet and refine the applications before approving them.
If in doubt or you need to clarify anything then please contact me at the email address below.
Some things to consider:
1. Provide as much details as you can on the application form and answer all questions
2. Ensure you indicate the amount required and the date it you need it
3. Make sure you sell your initiative and justify the request
4. The funds are for new initiatives and not to replace a clubs old stocks (e.g. clocks or sets and boards where the old items are still serviceable)
However, where a club has a reason to acquire new equipment which cannot be funded via club funds then an application may be considered but you need to make a case for it and justify it.
5. We are looking for sustainability and may seek a buy in by not making a 100% grant.
A reminder about the details of the initiative below.:
I am the Coordinator for the East of England which comprises 6 counties (Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Essex) and all applications to the fund are sent to me for approval. In cases where I have a conflict of interest I have some assistants to whom I can refer.
Individuals, Clubs and Organisations can apply using the application form https://britchess.wufoo.com/forms/ecf-grassroots-chess-initiative/ Please note that I cannot accept applications sent direct to me. Remember to indicate the East of England as your region.
The prospectus outlines the process and give a guide on the types of grants. You will need to justify your application and please ensure you complete all section of the application form as detailed as possible. If accepted you will be asked to provide follow up information on how the project was implemented and what the outcomes were.
If you need to clarify anything, need any advice or guidance then please contact me.
John Wickham
07808876785
Prospectus can be downloaded here.
Forthcoming Events
Cambridgeshire AGM 2025
To be held on the 8th July at St.Ives. More details to follow
Cambridgeshire Rapidplay 2025
Sunday 28th September at Whittlesford Memorial Hall
Entry form can be downloaded here
Online entry here
Cambridgeshire County Individual Championship
To be held Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd November 2025 at the Christie Hall Wansford.
Entry form can be downloaded here.
New Venue & Clubs
New England have a new venue.
Bourne have a new club meeting Thursdays.
SEASON 2022-23
Congratulations to the winners of the various tournaments.
Division 1 - New England
Division 2 - New England
Team 7000 North - New England Patriots
Team 7000 South - Royston
Team 7000 Final - Royston
Fenland Open - Cambridge City
Fenland 7000 - Warboys White Capes
