Statements
Mission
The Foundation for Tennessee Chess (Nashville Chess Center) is a non-profit corporation whose primary purpose is to educate the public about the game, art, science, sport and discipline of chess, with a particular focus on the education of secondary and elementary age students. The study of chess and participating in chess-related activities has been shown to promote numerous educational benefits among school-age children including the enhancement of logical reasoning skills, higher standardized test scores in both math and reading, and improved patience and greater self-esteem. To accomplish its mission, the Nashville Chess Center sponsors instructional programs in local schools, conducts chess lessons chess classes, chess coaching seminars, chess tournaments and chess camps, among other activities. These programs are funded primarily through donations from foundations, corporations and private individuals.
Background
The Nashville Chess Center is an educational 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation which was founded in 1995. The NCC is a supporting organization for the Tennessee Chess Association, which has been promoting chess throughout the state for almost 70 years, and an affiliate of the United States Chess federation, the governing body for chess in this country. Our Chess for Children program in area schools is our major focus. The NCC actively engages in fundraising each year to obtain community support in Middle Tennessee for its school-based chess instructional programs. The generosity of many local business and individual donors makes it possible for the NCC to provide Nashville students with chess equipment, teaching materials, and qualified teachers. All contributions to NCC are tax deductible. The NCC is located at 2911 Belmont Boulevard. This facility was a gift from our founder and is widely recognized as one of the finest chess centers in the United States. Although the primary goal of the organization is not to produce chess champions, numerous NCC students have won chess competitions at the local, state, and national levels.
Impact
The Nashville Chess Center sponsors chess instructional programs in schools throughout Middle Tennessee. Through its Chess for Children Program, the NCC provides educational opportunities for young people, with special attention to disadvantaged children who are likely to benefit from chess both academically and socially. Studies show that playing and studying chess impacts the lives of children by imparting learned behaviors and other benefits which translate into all aspects of their lives. Specifically, these benefits include enhancement of problem solving and logical reasoning skills, increased attention span, increased patience and self-esteem, and improved standardized test scores in both math and reading. Three of our goals for the current year are; 1.To increase the number of during the school day chess programs 2.To continue to provide after school chess classes 3. To expand our donor base Our most significant accomplishments are: 1.Providing chess classes and tournaments for over 1,000 children in the past year. 2.Receiving approval for Advanced Academics courses, graded chess programs at Napier Enhanced Option Elementary School, LEAD Academy, Valor Collegiate Academy, Bellshire Elementary, and Cumberland Elementary School.
Needs
1. Increased financial support 2. Expansion of base of active volunteers 3. Additional qualified chess instructors 4. Additional board members with specific areas of expertise 5. A volunteer with building maintenance experience
Board Chair Statement
In its short history, the NCC has impacted the lives of thousands of students in Middle Tennessee by introducing them to and teaching them the game of chess, an activity which promotes a wide range of benefits that affect many aspects of their lives, including math and reading skills, attention span, and increased self-esteem. Each year, NCC has increased our outreach to children in our community. The number of schools enrolled in our Chess for Children classes has grown each year and we now offer classes during the school day at several schools. We provide chess classes for all students at Valor Academy during the school day. In fall 2017, we will begin providing graded chess classes during the school day for students at Napier Elementary School which is the lowest performing elementary school in Nashville Following a change in leadership on the Board of Directors, the new Board has formed/revitalized the NCC's Fundraising Committee, Membership Committee, and other committees which are chaired by active volunteers who are committed to the goals of our organization. I am hopeful that these active committees will help us reach our financial goals which in turn will allow the NCC to provide the benefits of chess to more students in Middle Tennessee
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Education - Elementary & Secondary Schools |
| Secondary Category: | - |
| Tertiary Category: | - |
Areas Served
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Robertson |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Wilson |
