ONCE again Daily Echo parent company Gannett is putting forward cash awards for charity projects.

The Gannett Foundation, the company’s charitable arm, has thousands of pounds to give away to worthy groups within the Echo’s patch. Projects supported recently include a £4,000 donation to refurbish the kitchen at Chideock village hall.

Gannett is looking for registered charities with projects which take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as neighbourhood improvements, local problem-solving, economic development, youth enterprise, sport and healthy living, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, care of the elderly, environmental conservation, and educational or cultural enrichment.

The goal is to leave a positive lasting impression on communities.

While preference may be given to ideas which create a durable legacy for the community, the scheme will consider single events or projects of limited duration that otherwise meet the criteria, and projects of any size or ambition.

Typically grants are modest sums for practical projects, but we will consider awards to larger projects which deserve backing.

We are also able to join with other contributors to support elements of larger projects, though we prefer 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.

As a prerequisite, 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.

Applications must be submitted on the approved application form, which can be downloaded here GANNETT FOUNDATION APPLICATION FORM 2017.docx

Any applications which do not meet our criteria or which do not follow our rules and procedures will be rejected.

The completed form and supporting document should be sent electronically via email to amanda.langton@bournemouthecho.co.uk

Submissions on paper are not encouraged but may be sent to Amanda Langton, Daily Echo Bournemouth, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, BH2 6HH. Applications must arrive by 5pm on Monday, October 9.