Charities making a lasting difference to communities in the Bradford district are being urged to apply for grants of up to £10,000 from the charitable arm of the Ilkley Gazette and the Wharfedale Observer.

The Gannett Foundation, which is operated by the US company that owns this newspaper, is inviting applications from registered charities which need cash for projects tackling issues in the district.

The projects could include education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

Last year Gannett awarded £328,577 to 38 organisations across the newspaper group’s circulation area.

Recipients in the district included Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope, St Ives Riding for the Disabled in Bingley and the Oxenhope Community Association.

The hospice received £6,990 towards buying specialised beds, St Ives Riding was awarded £9,278 to extend its service to more severely disabled people and Oxenhope Community Association received £10,000 for a refurbishment to secure the building’s future.

Typically, grants are given for substantial projects which require and merit awards of between £5,000 and £10,000 and, although preference may be given to ideas which create a durable legacy for their community, single events or projects of limited duration will also be considered.

Decisions in respect of the value of the funding will be made by the trustees and 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 materials and further details concerning the overall aims of the charity should be included with each submission. Each nomination will be judged on its own merits at the absolute discretion of the trustees, whose decision is final.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT

Applications must be submitted on the approved application form, which can be downloaded from here.
Any group without internet access can contact the editor’s PA Sue Bains on (01274) 705228 to request an application form. Completed applications should be returned to peter.orme@telegraphandargus.co.uk or by post to Peter Orme, Managing/Communities Editor, Telegraph & Argus, Hall Ings, Bradford, BD1 1JR, by Friday, September 27.

Any received after that date will not be considered and any applications which do not meet the criteria or which do not follow our rules will be rejected.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR GRANT APPLICATION FORM