CHARITIES across Dorset still have time to apply for the latest round of Gannett Foundation Grants.

The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of the Dorset Echo’s parent company, Newsquest Media Group, which supports projects and organisations in areas across the UK where its papers operate.

In the last ten years the foundation has made almost £4 million worth of grants to organisations across the country.

The foundation is particularly looking to support schemes and organisations which bring lasting benefits to communities and showcase clear planning.

Diarmuid Macdonagh, editor of the Dorset Echo, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for charities to apply for a grant towards their ongoing good works and I would encourage local good causes to make the most of this opportunity.”

Over the past few years local charities including Weymouth Rowing Club and Dorchester Amateur Boxing Club have received funding.

Past funding included a £2,950 donation to Dorset Search and Rescue (DorSAR) to buy 10 Memory-Map Adventurer GPS to assist with its life-saving work.

DorSAR secretary David Wraight said: “This is a big help, one of the things we need to be able to do is get on the ground as quickly as possible and these units will help us to do that.” This year, applications that support people living in rural communities are particularly encouraged, although all applications will be considered. Schemes that strive for neighbourhood improvement, youth development, care for the elderly or disabled, and environmental initiatives will be highly valued.

Applicants MUST be registered charities and must not have received a Gannett Foundation grant in the last two years.

Applications for this year’s grants MUST be sent in an electronic format to newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk The completed application form, which is available at dorsetecho.co.uk must be provided alongside relevant supporting materials and most recent accounts.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on October 14.