DORSET charities are being invited to apply for the latest round of funding from the Gannett Foundation.

Last year thousands of pounds was donated by the foundation, which is the charitable arm of the US media firm Gannett Co Inc, owner of Newsquest media and publisher of the Dorset Echo and Daily Echo.

Charities are being urged to apply to the Dorset Echo and Daily Echo setting out how they would benefit from the grant.

Toby Granville, Group Editor, Daily Echo and Dorset Echo, urged charities to lodge entries.

He said: “We support registered charities with projects which take a creative approach to the fundamental 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.”

“We value projects that bring lasting benefits to communities served by our local newspapers and websites. “While preference may be given to ideas which create a durable legacy for the community, we will consider single events or projects of limited duration that otherwise meet our criteria.” Applications of any size or ambition will be considered, though typically grants are made for substantial projects of between £5,000 and £10,000.

The Foundation is able to join with other contributors to support elements of larger projects, though it prefers 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.

The Foundation will favour projects that demonstrate good planning, oversight and financial responsibility. Copies of the charity’s most recent financial accounts are required with the application.

Supporting materials and further details concerning the 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.

Applications will not be considered if they are from non-registered charities, intended to fund salaries or general running costs, general appeals as opposed to specific projects, 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.

Applications must be submitted on the approved application form.

To apply, click below to download the form

Gannett Foundation Application form

The forms, which must be in electronic form, must then be emailed to newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk by 5pm on September 16, 2013 clearly marked ‘Gannett Foundation grant’.

* VARIOUS local charities, including Weymouth Rowing Club, the Friends of the MV Freedom and Allsorts pre-school and clubs, received payments towards their good work in previous years.

Previous winners have also included Dorset Search and Rescue (DorSAR), Dorset Youth Association for their Routes cafe bar and Weymouth Community Forum.