CHARITIES in York, North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire which benefit local communities are being given a chance to bid for cash from The Press’ parent company.

Grants are being offered by the Gannett Foundation, which is the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, the parent company of Newsquest Media Group, one of the UK’s largest publishers and owner of The Press.

The Foundation supports charities that undertake practical and creative projects to tackle issues such as neighbourhood improvement and local problem-solving, economic development, youth development, education and cultural enrichment, care of the elderly or infirm, help for the disadvantaged or disabled, and environmental conservation.

A Gannett Foundation spokesperson said: “In the last ten years alone, the Gannett Foundation has made grants in the UK alone totalling nearly £4 million.

“We value practical and creative projects that bring lasting benefits to the communities and neighbourhoods served by our newspapers and online audience.”

Last year, it awarded a grant of £7,200 to Acorn Community Care, in Norton, for a walk-in cold room for a farm shop. Wilberfoss, Kexby and Newton Playing Fields Association received a grant of £1,000 to buy a defibrillator pack, while Lastingham Village Hall was given £480 for a screen and projector.

This year it is encouraging applications for projects that address the needs of rural communities, but it will give equal consideration to all other applications it receives that meet the general criteria.

Typically grants are modest sums meeting everyday needs, but the Foundation will consider worthwhile projects on a bigger scale. It is able to join with other contributors to support elements of larger projects.

Decisions about funding will be made by the trustees based on the evidence submitted.

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. In addition, any supporting material and details of the organisation’s managing committee should be included with each submission.

Applications must be submitted on the approved application form, which can be downloaded at yorkpress.co.uk/gannett

The completed form and supporting document should be sent electronically via email to nadia.jefferson-brown@nqyne.co.uk

Submissions on paper are not encouraged, but if unavoidable, they must be sent to Nadia Jefferson-Brown, The Press, 84-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN.

Applications must arrive by 5pm on October 14, 2016.