CHESS IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES
Financial health, per its FY2023 accounts
The accounts state that the charity achieved a small surplus for the year ended 31 August 2023, with total income of £1,210,106 against total expenditure of £1,141,832. The trustees report that free reserves of £1,115,281 are higher than the stated policy target, with the excess designated for future expansion and flagship events. The charity confirms it has adequate resources to continue as a going concern with no material uncertainties identified.
What the accounts disclose
“This amount is higher than the Trustees’ policy, but the excess has been set aside for the future expansion of the charity and support of the charity’s flagship events for which external support cannot always be guaranteed. The policy is under regular review by the Trustees and is part of the revised Strategic Plan which was approved by the Trustee Board in March 2023.”
“The son of Malcolm Pein received £1,658 during the year (2022: £Nil) for his work as a Chess tutor at the Charity. The rate used was in accordance with rates used for all people that work for the Charity. At the year end £Nil was outstanding (2022: £Nil).” — page 34
“There were transactions between Chess in Schools and Communities and Chess Promotions Limited within the ordinary course of business during the year. As at 31 August 2022 CPL owed the Charity £77,960 (2022: £76,763).” — page 34
“The son of Malcolm Pein received £1,658 during the year (2022: £Nil) for his work as a Chess tutor at the Charity. The rate used was in accordance with rates used for all people that work for the Charity. At the year end £Nil was outstanding (2022: £Nil).” — page 34
“There were transactions between Chess in Schools and Communities and Chess Promotions Limited within the ordinary course of business during the year. As at 31 August 2022 CPL owed the Charity £77,960 (2022: £76,763).” — page 34
Funders the charity credits
- John Lyon's Charity
- Google DeepMind
- The ORP Foundation
- The Vincit Foundation
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/08/2025)
Trustees
- Alison Sharp
- Christopher John Clark
- Isabel Keen
- Stephen Meyler
- Stephen O'Connell CBE
- WILLIAM WATSON
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/08/2025 | £2.0m | £1.7m |
| 31/08/2024 | £1.2m | £1.5m |
| 31/08/2023 | £1.2m | £1.1m |
| 31/08/2022 | £1.0m | £1.3m |
| 31/08/2021 | £1.0m | £861k |
Common questions
Is CHESS IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES financially healthy?
The accounts state that the charity achieved a small surplus for the year ended 31 August 2023, with total income of £1,210,106 against total expenditure of £1,141,832. The trustees report that free reserves of £1,115,281 are higher than the stated policy target, with the excess designated for future expansion and flagship events. The charity confirms it has adequate resources to continue as a going concern with no material uncertainties identified. Its FY2023 accounts were audited by Kreston Reeves LLP.
Who funds CHESS IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES?
Funders whose own accounts filings name CHESS IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES as a grant recipient include KUSUMA TRUST UK, The Portal Trust, THE ANGUS LAWSON MEMORIAL TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| KUSUMA TRUST UK | FY2024 | £25k |
| The Portal Trust | FY2025 | £20k |
| THE ANGUS LAWSON MEMORIAL TRUST | FY2023 | £14k |
| THE ANGUS LAWSON MEMORIAL TRUST | FY2022 | £14k |
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| FRIENDS OF WIZNITZ LIMITED | 1 | £335k |
| SF FOUNDATION | 1 | £209k |
| GILMOOR BENEVOLENT FUND LIMITED | 1 | £154k |
| CMZ LTD | 1 | £137k |
| NES FOUNDATION LTD | 1 | £112k |
| MERCAZ TORAH VECHESED LIMITED | 1 | £104k |
| TAGMARSH CHARITY LIMITED | 1 | £75k |
| CHAIM BECHESED | 1 | £50k |