IT ISN'T every day that we can say we've got half a million dollars to give away.

But today the Evening Press can invite groups from our region to apply for a share of a massive 500,000 dollars set aside for good causes.

The cash has been earmarked by the Gannett Foundation - a charity arm of American media giant Gannett, the parent company of the Evening Press - to give something back to communities across Britain.

Only last December the special needs group SNAPPY, which is based in Clifton, York, received a foundation grant of £5,000 from Evening Press editor Liz Page.

The Press had backed SNAPPY's fundraising campaign, aimed at maintaining the charity's work to provide activities for young people with learning difficulties.

To apply for a grant in this round suitable groups must return their completed application forms to us by March 6.

All entries will be forwarded to the Gannett Foundation, where a panel of experts will decide on the grants. Applicants must show that that their work benefits the local community, especially the disadvantaged or neglected within it. They will need to be a registered charity, or at least to have an application for registration pending.

Those organisations with a proven record, established over some time, have a greater chance of receiving a grant than one that has just started up.

When completing their application candidates should ensure they answer all the questions, and that it is typed, or at least clear and legibly written.

Grants will NOT be given to individuals, non-charities, national or regional organisations unless they have a project which addresses a specific local need, general appeals, medical or research organisations, the promotion of religious causes or animal charities.

To ask for an application form please contact Sky Ferrey, Evening Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN.

Updated: 15:08 Wednesday, February 20, 2002