A CHARITY which secured funding to buy ‘lifeline’ wheelchairs for people in need is urging others to follow its lead.

The British Red Cross was successful in its application to the Gannett Foundation last year and is now reaping the benefits of the £1,500 which paid for 10 new chairs.

MORE TOP STORIES:

It is encouraging others to bid for this year’s funding which is open for submissions until mid-October.

Sarah Collins, mobility aids service co-ordinator at the Red Cross, said: “I would say to people definitely apply because if you don’t try, you’re not going to better your service.

The Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, the parent company of Newsquest Media Group which owns the Lancashire Telegraph, is especially welcoming applications from charities which support the elderly.

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.

The foundation entertains applications of any size or ambition but the applicant must be a registered charity. Typically, grants are modest sums for practical projects, but it frequently awards sums of £10,000 or more to larger projects.

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.

The Gannett Foundation will favour projects that demonstrate good planning, oversight and financial responsibility.

Copies of the charity’s most recent financial accounts are required plus any supporting materials concerning the aims of the charity.

Applications must be submitted on the form, which can be downloaded below. Completed applications should be emailed by 5pm on October 16. Ring 01254 298205 with queries.

Download an application form here: GANNETT FOUNDATION APPLICATION FORM 2015 (4).docx