The Pawn Project has won the 2026 Small Chess Club of the Year!

Support Us

Material Support

Thank you to our sponsor families who have provided much of the chess materials needed for The Pawn Project to run monthly meetups and our donors who help keep the program growing and thriving. With around 100 youth reached since our launch in September, we can't wait to see where The Pawn Project will go!

In-kind donations are accepted via our Amazon Wish List:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/SVOA4UTFIB1Y?ref_=wl_share

Donate

Click the donate button or use the QR code for donations link.

Donations

Our current fundraising goal is $1000 by spring of 2026. This will help us meet our mission of providing ChessKid gold club memberships for all active users and funds for an end of year tournament (clocks, software, trophies, and more).

We host fundraisers and take donations directly to The Pawn Project Bank Account where you'll receive a tax receipt for making a donation.

Donations can be made using the QR code to the left or by using the link below:

Link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/the-pawn-project

OVERVIEW OF WHAT FUNDS HELPED US DO:

We now have enough boards to host 60+ players and clocks for over 40 players. We’ve covered membership materials for over 120 kids (folders and lanyards etc.) and coaching supplies for all 6 youth coaches. We’ve run 3 quad tournaments, and one USCF style Swiss tournament with trophies or medals to every participant and covered fees to provide space that supported us all. And we have funds for ChessKid accounts for our most active users that will be awarded soon!

Volunteer Support

Why Volunteer with Us?

Support youth leadership, strengthen our local community, and help make high-quality chess education accessible to all—always free, always volunteer-powered.

See volunteer opportunities below:

Searching for youth volunteers

We're looking for our next generation of youth leaders! If you have an ambitious preteen or teen who loves chess, we'd love to hear from you!

The Pawn Project is a youth ran nonprofit in Purcellville where youth earn monthly volunteer hours by mentoring players and creating a fun, welcoming community.

You provide a love of the game - and we'll provide the training!

Think you've got what it takes? Reach out to let us know you're interested: ThePawnProjectPurcellville@gmail.com

Searching for Adult Special Guests

Are you an adult chess enthusiast?
We’d love to feature you as one of our Monthly Special Guests!

Our Adult Special Guests are experienced chess players who encourage the next generation by attending a live event to support and encourage the youth coaches and members.

We spotlight out special guest across multiple platforms, including: Our official website and social media channels.

Interested in being a Special Guest?
We’d love to chat with you! Reach out to let us know you're interested: ThePawnProjectPurcellville@gmail.com

Operations Volunteers

Assist with event setup and breakdown, manage the check-in table, and provide logistical support to ensure programs run smoothly.

Reach out to let us know you're interested: ThePawnProjectPurcellville@gmail.com

Additional Volunteer Roles

Tournament support, materials organization, photography, community outreach, and administrative assistance.

Reach out to let us know you're interested: ThePawnProjectPurcellville@gmail.com

Grant Senders

Thanks to the Landsberger Foundation for their incredible $2800 grant!

Sponsors & Donors Thank you!

Our meetings are made possible by the volunteer work of staff and our sponsors. Donations replenish supplies, keep chess kid accounts unlocked, and fund in-person tournaments.

A special thank you to our donor and sponsor families:

The Herring Family
The Myatt Family
The Antwine Family
The Hasle Family
Betty Matthews
Jack Burnette
The Irwin Family
The Pacheco Family
The Zehr Family
The Reaves Family
The Welgan Family
The Bazeley Family
The Gonzalez Family
The Stuart Family
The Matthews Family
The Saavedra family
And Anonymus Donors!

Image from Bush Tabernacle

Bush Tabernacle

Thanks to Bush Tabernacle for allowing us to host our 2026-2027 monthly meetings at their facility!

THE PAWN PROJECT IS BACK—NOW AT BUSH TABERNACLE!

New School Year Opening Day • SEPTEMBER 14 • 4:30–6:30 PM

FREE youth chess program • From elementary through high school • All skill levels welcome

BUSH TABERNACLE IS SWEETENING THE DEAL!

Pre-Chess Hangout Available | 2–4 PM drop-in hours

FREE entry Includes: Music • Ping pong • Foosball • Air hockey

- Optional Skating: $8 (skates included) + $3 for Skate-Mate

- Punch Pass: 10 admissions at $6 each - Share with up to 3 skaters per day

Whether you're homeschooling, have an early release day, or just have a free Monday afternoon, this is an easy, low-key way to hang out with friends while we set up for chess.

4–4:30 PM | WATCH THE RINK TRANSFORM

Return skates, grab a snack, take a break to hang out and watch the rink transform into a chess hall!

CONCESSIONS | OPEN 2–6:30 PM

Pizza $3 • Pretzel $3 • Hot dog $2 • Chips $1 • Candy $2 • Drinks $1–$2.50

250 S. Nursery Ave. Purcellville, VA

Never been? Take a video tour!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CGqskiGCj/