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.

The Foundation entertains applications of any size or ambition. 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.

This year, the Foundation is especially welcoming applications from charities which work to support the elderly. It has dropped the old exclusion of uniformed groups, so Scout groups and similar are free to apply.

In recent years, awards have included £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 in Nelson.

Last time round, the British Red Cross was given £1,500 to buy 10 'lifeline' wheelchairs, which are loaned out for days or weeks at a time to people across Lancashire.

The Gannett 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 at www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk

Any applications which do not meet the Foundation's criteria or which do not follow its rules and procedures will be rejected.

Applicants must not have received a grant from the Foundation within the past 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, October 16. Anyone with queries should call 01254 298205.

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