CHARITIES across East Lancashire can apply for thousands of pounds from a pot of money from a major grant-giver.

Worthy causes, which must be registered charities, are being invited to bid for funding from the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, the parent company of Newsquest Media Group which owns the Lancashire Telegraph.

The Foundation supports projects which take a creative approach to issues such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, local problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

It values projects that bring lasting benefits to the community but trustees will also consider single events or projects of limited duration.

This year, the Foundation is particularly encouraging hospices to apply, and the old exclusion of ‘uniformed groups’ has been lifted so scout groups and similar can apply.

Typically, awards made are between £5,000 and £10,000 for adventurous projects but the Foundation will entertain applications of any size. The trustees are able to join with other contributors to support elements of larger projects, though prefer to be in a position of making a donation which will fund a project entirely or which constitutes the final instalment to complete a project.

In recent years, awards include £1,180 to Age UK in Blackburn for two motorised recliner chairs, £21,750 to kit out Rossendale and Pendle Mountain Rescue Team with weatherproof clothing, and funding for a churchyard renovation scheme in Nelson.

The Foundation will favour projects that demonstrate good planning, oversight and financial responsibility. The submission of copies of the charity’s most recent financial accounts are required plus any supporting materials and details concerning the aims of the charity.

 

Applications must be submitted on the approved application form, which can be downloaded by clicking here: GANNETT FOUNDATION APPLICATION FORM 2014 V1.docx

 

Applicants must not have received a grant from the Foundation within the last two years.

The actual use of all grants will be monitored by the Editor, to whom successful applicants must report within 12 months of the grant.

Completed applications should be emailed to emma.broom@nqnw.co.uk by 5pm on Friday, September 12. Anyone with queries should call 01254 298205.