Two weeks left to apply for Gannett Foundation grant

The charitable arm of the US media firm Gannett, which owns Newsquest Media, publisher of the Dorset Echo, is looking to reward imaginative ideas which benefit the community.

Registered charities in south and west Dorset have until October 14 to submit detailed applications to the Dorset Echo outlining how they would benefit from a grant.

The grants are designed to support projects that benefit a broad section of the local population or are seen to have lasting benefit to the community.

Imaginative and ambitious applications from causes and projects that take a ‘creative approach to local community needs’ are welcomed, along with charitable enterprises to fund individuals to obtain skills to benefit the community.

Last year Dorset Youth Association was awarded £4,000 to modernise its Routes Advice coffee bar and provide better wash room and laundry facilities at its new look information centre in Dorchester.

The centre opens this autumn for young people who need support and basic help including cooking a hot meal or access to a hot shower and somewhere to wash their clothes.

Fundraiser Aimee Malcolm said: “There will be a funky youth café where young people can meet up with their friends, join a homework club, access advice and information or use the IT suit and have free access to broadband.

“With the help of the Gannett Foundation we have tidied up the shower room and will be updating the laundry facilities later in the year.”

Last year the association supported more than 400 young people in crisis, 66 of which were homeless or ‘sofa-surfing’.

Aimee said: “The young people find comfort in our service and are supported to access specialised services to find suitable accommodation, access health care and manage their finances.”

Aimee urged charities to apply for a grant, which she said impressed her because of the simplicity and the friendly and supportive nature of the process.

Successful applicants this year will include schemes for neighbourhood improvement and local problem-solving, economic development, youth development, education and cultural creativity, help for the disadvantaged or disabled and environmental conservation.

Applications will not be considered if they are from non-registered charities, intended to fund salaries or general running costs, political or regional organisations or state or privately owned schools – except special needs schools, or hospitals other than hospices.

Previous applicants who have been given a grant in the last two years will also not be considered during this round of funding.

Last year’s other successful applicants were the Dorset Search and Rescue (DorSAR), Waterside Weymouth Community Forum and Dorchester Amateur Boxing Club.

To download the Gannett Grant 2011 application form click here Gannettapplicationform2011.doc

How to submit your application

APPLICATIONS must be submitted on an official form, available upon request from the Dorset Echo or downloaded via our website www.dorsetecho.co.uk Applicants should apply for grant money for specified items or purposes and include detailed costings by Friday, October 14.

This deadline has been set to ensure the Dorset Echo can vet applications before forwarding them to the foundation’s administrators, no later than Friday, October 28.

Applications returned to the Dorset Echo after October 14 will not be forwarded for consideration.

Please call 01305 830987 or email paul.crompton@dorsetecho.co.uk for more information or a form.

Postal applications should be returned to the Dorset Echo at Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT49XD.

Please note applications can be submitted via email this year.

If requesting a form by post please include your full postal address.