EVENING Press readers today have a chance to share in a half-million-dollar bonanza.

The cash is available to worthy causes around the UK in areas served by the Evening Press's UK parent company, Newsquest.

Twice a year the money is put up by an arm of Newsquest's American parent company, Gannett, and Evening Press readers have shared in some massive handouts.

In the last round of grants in April, York Shakespeare Project received £5,000 to assist with the production of Love's Labours Lost, to provide a signed performance for the deaf and a described performance for the blind.

York Blind & Partially Sighted Society was given £1,470 to buy six Easy Readers - scanner cameras which project directly onto a standard television screen at great magnification.

Ryedale Detached Youth Work Project was awarded £1,250 to assist with the production of the Young People's Street Guide To Safety In Ryedale. The Gannett Foundation supports projects which take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as education and neighbourhood improvements, youth development, cultural enrichment and support for disadvantaged people.

The foundation gives priority to:

Youth projects, particularly engaging and involving young people in the development of those projects

Projects that benefit people with special needs, either through disability or disadvantage.

Grants will not be given to:

Individuals, organisations that are not registered charities

National or regional organisations (unless the project addresses specific local community needs)

Uniformed youth groups (including Scouts and Guides)

As part contribution to a salary, whether part or full-time

For church restoration or maintenance, or to promote religious causes

Endowment funds, general appeals, general contribution to costs or multi-year campaigns

Medical or research organisations

Animal charities.

Grants will be sums of between £1,000 and £5,000, but larger grants may be made for exceptional projects. Applications for this latest round of handouts must be submitted on an application form, which can be obtained from Sky Ferrey at the Evening Press head office in Walmgate, York (phone 01904 653051) or email sky.ferrey@ycp.co.uk

Previously unsuccessful applicants may re-apply providing they meet the criteria. Applicants who received a grant within the past 12 months are not eligible.

The completed form should be sent back to: Sky Ferrey, Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN, and must reach us by Wednesday, October 6, 2004.

If your application has been successful you will be informed in December.

The Evening Press will expect you to co-operate with reasonable arrangements for publicity for any grant given.

Updated: 10:28 Tuesday, September 07, 2004