Funding for charities (From Gazette Series)

Funding for charities

CHARITIES in the Gazette circulation area are being invited to bid for a Gannett Foundation Fund.

The US parent company of Newsquest Media Group, owners of the Gazette, is this year making available $970,000 for qualified, non-profit-making organisations which help and support community groups.

Allocations will be made in April and December and the deadline for receipt of applications from the Gazette area is March 22.

Applications forms are available from the Gazette head office at Reliance House, Long Street, Dursley, Glos GL11 4LS (tel 01453 544000, fax 540208).

Application Guidelines for 2004

What is the Gannett Foundation?

The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of the Gannett Co. Inc, owner of the Newsquest Media Group, one of the UK's largest publishers, whose titles include the Gloucestershire Gazette, Thornbury Gazette and Yate/Sodbury Gazette.

What is the Gannett Foundation Fund?

The Gannett Foundation has provided funding to support local organisations in the areas where Newsquest operates in the UK. The Fund is managed by Greater Bristol Foundation on behalf of the Gannett Foundation and Newsquest.

What does the Gannett Foundation support?

The Gannett Foundation supports projects which take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, community problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment. Priority is given to youth projects, particularly engaging and involving young people in the development of those projects; and projects that benefit people with special needs either through disability or disadvantage.

Is there anything that is definitely excluded from getting a grant?

Grants will not be given to:

* Individuals

* Organisations which are not registered charities

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

* Promotion of religious cause

* Uniformed groups

* Endowment funds

* General appeals or multi-year campaigns

* Medical or research organisations

* Animal charities

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

What size of grant can my group apply for?

Grants will be for £1,000-£5,000 but larger grants may be made for exceptional projects.

How do I apply?

Applications must be submitted on the application form which can be obtained from your local newspaper office.

The completed form should be sent to the local newspaper office address.

When should I apply?

Your completed application form must be received by March 22, 2004.

You will hear the result of your application by end of April, 2004.

Are there any other conditions of grant?

The newspaper will expect you to co-operate with reasonable arrangements for publicity for any grant given and in some cases may ask for the Gannett Foundation/newspaper logo to be displayed on major items of equipment such as minibuses.