GANNETT FOUNDATION

The Gannett Foundation provides funding to support local registered charities in the areas where Newsquest operates in the UK.

Grants are available within its circulation area only, although its wide range of titles ensures that most areas in the UK are covered.

The Foundation supports projects which take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as:

o Education and neighbourhood improvements;
o Economic development;
o Youth development;
o Community problem solving;
o Assistance to disadvantaged people;
o Environmental conservation; and
o Cultural enrichment.

Typically grants are for between £5,000 and £10,000. Smaller amounts are sometimes considered but the Foundation actively encourages imaginative and ambitious projects on a larger scale.

Applicants must be registered charities that have not received a Gannett Foundation grant in either 2015 or 2016.

The Foundation particularly invites clearly well presented applications asking for specific items of equipment or materials.

The Foundation will favour projects that demonstrate good planning, oversight and financial responsibility.

The Foundation is also willing to join with other contributors to support elements of more ambitious projects.

While preference will be given to ideas which create a durable legacy for the community, single events or projects of limited duration that otherwise meet the Foundation’s criteria will be considered.

Previous awards have included:

o £4,730 for greenhouses and tools at a community garden in Bradford;
o £4,000 to refurbish the kitchen at Chideock Village Hall in Dorset;
o £4,410 for community sports in Hampshire; and
o £6,600 paid for theatrical equipment for a community hall in South Wales.

Grants are not available for:

o Salaries, professional fees or day-to-day running or maintenance costs;
o General appeals as opposed to specific projects;
o Projects that do not bring benefits to local communities;
o Political or religious objectives;
o State or privately run schools (other than special needs);
o Hospitals (other than hospices);
o Individuals;
o Private Foundations;
o Organisations which are not registered charities;
o National or regional organisations, unless their programmes address specific local community needs;
o Programmes or initiatives where the primary purpose is the promotion of religious doctrine or tenets;
o Political action or legislative advocacy groups;
o Endowment funds;
o Multiple-year pledge campaigns;
o Medical or research organisations, including organisations funding single disease research; or
o Fraternal groups, athletic teams, bands, volunteer fire-fighters or similar groups.

The closing date for 2017 applications is 5pm on Monday 9 October 2017, although applicants are advised to check with their local Newsquest publication(s) as deadlines can vary.

A list of all Newsquest publications can be found HERE.

The Foundation will look at all applications towards the end of November 2017.

Applicants must supply copies of their most recent accounts (where required by the Charities Commission) or other appropriate financial information, together with any supporting materials and details of their organisation’s managing committee.

Applications must be made locally by downloading an application form from the relevant newspaper website.

Alternatively, if you're having trouble finding an application form, you can email info@grin.coop for a copy of the form and a link to the guidance notes.

Completed application forms should be sent either by email or by post to the editor of the applicant's local paper.

For further information visit the Gannett Foundation website.

Contact details for the Foundation are:

The Gannett Foundation
Newsquest Media Group Ltd
58 Church Street
Weybridge
Surrey
KT13 8DP
Tel: 01932 821212
Email: foundation@gannett.com

(Source: GRIN)