Dina Belenkaya clarified the structure and purpose of the Naroditsky Memorial Fund. The initiative, supported by Daniel Naroditsky’s family, directs all funds to a nonprofit foundation to sustain an annual over-the-board tournament, the Naroditsky Blitz & Rapid Memorial, and The Naroditsky Fellowship. The goal of the fund is to raise $4 million to endow both initiatives in perpetuity.

Dina Belenkaya

Dina Belenkaya

Russian-Israeli woman grandmaster (WGM), commentator, and content creator

“This isn’t “random fundraising.” It’s a one-time endowment to honor Daniel’s legacy in a way that lasts forever and that he would appreciate. The initiative is supported by his family and guided by people who were closest to him. No one “profits” from this. All funds go directly to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation. The principal is never touched - it’s invested, and only the annual returns fund the programs.”

The Naroditsky Memorial Blitz & Rapid is an annual over-the-board tournament in Charlotte, that aims to become a major event by attracting elite grandmasters while remaining open to large numbers of amateur players. The Naroditsky Fellowship is a scholarship program for young chess players, launched by the Charlotte Chess Center and the Naroditsky family to honor his legacy.

Credit: Chess.com/Maria Emelianova