Ways2Raise

What is it?

Offering chess lessons is a fantastic way for teens to fundraise while sharing a valuable skill. Chess appeals to all ages and can be taught in person or online, making it flexible and accessible. With some preparation and commitment, you can earn a steady income that contributes significantly to your fundraising goal.

Why does it work?

Chess lessons work well because they tap into people’s desire to learn and improve a challenging skill, creating value worth paying for. Lessons are often booked weekly, providing recurring income, and word-of-mouth can bring more clients. Plus, parents often support their children’s learning, making it easier to find younger students.

What you'll need

A good understanding of chess rules and strategies
Chess sets (physical or digital) for demonstrations
A quiet space to teach, either at home, a community centre, or online
Access to video call software if tutoring online (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)
Basic marketing materials like flyers or social media accounts

Step-by-step plan

1

Assess your chess skills honestly and identify your strengths and areas to improve so you can teach confidently.

2

Decide whether you will teach in person, online, or both, and prepare the necessary equipment for each method.

3

Set your lesson rates, aiming for £10-£15 per hour depending on your experience and local demand.

4

Create a simple lesson plan that can be adapted to different skill levels, including beginners, intermediate, and advanced students.

5

Advertise your lessons locally (schools, community centres) and online via social media or local community groups.

6

Arrange initial trial lessons or taster sessions to build rapport and showcase your teaching style.

7

Schedule regular lessons with your students and keep track of bookings and payments carefully.

8

Ask satisfied students and parents for testimonials or referrals to grow your client base.

How to advertise it

Put up flyers at local libraries, youth centres, and schools (with permission).
Post about your lessons in local Facebook groups and community WhatsApp chats.
Create an Instagram or TikTok showcasing quick chess tips to attract followers who might book lessons.
Ask family and friends to spread the word through their networks.
Reach out to local chess clubs or youth organisations to offer group sessions or workshops.

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to earn around £10-£15 per hour teaching chess, and with regular students, earning £100-£200 per week is achievable. Over a few months, this can add up to £1,000 or more towards your fundraising goal.

Top tips

✅ Be patient and enthusiastic—your passion for chess will inspire students and keep them coming back.

✅ Tailor lessons to each student's level and interests to make learning fun and effective.

✅ Offer a discount for block bookings (e.g., pay for 5 lessons upfront) to secure longer-term income.

✅ Use free online tools like lichess.org or chess.com to support lessons and track progress.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Setting rates too high or low without checking what others charge in your area.

⚠️ Not preparing lesson plans, which can make sessions disorganised and less enjoyable.

⚠️ Failing to keep track of payments and bookings, leading to confusion or missed income.

Chess Lessons