Charities in Dorset can apply for a grant from the Gannett Foundation for 2017 - application form

Charities in Dorset are now being urged to apply.

The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc., the parent company of Newsquest Media Group, one of the UK’s largest publishers and owners of the Dorset Echo.

It provides funding to registered charities in the areas where it operates local newspapers and websites.

The Foundation supports 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.

Projects are valued 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, single events of limited duration that otherwise meet the criteria will be considered.

Typically, grants are modest sums for practical projects, but awards for larger projects which deserve our backing will be considered.

We are also able to join with other contributors to support elements of larger projects, though we prefer to make a donation which will fund a project entirely or which constitutes the final instalment to complete a project.

Decisions about funding will be made by the trustees based on evidence submitted.

Organisations supported in the 2016 round of grants included Chideock Village Hall which received £4,000 to help fund a new kitchen.

There was also a £1,100 grant to Portland-based Chesil Sailability towards two new race sales and marine trolleys to help transfer equipment.

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

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 an application form, which can be downloaded here

 GANNETT FOUNDATION APPLICATION FORM 2017.docx

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 via email to newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk. Applications must arrive by 5pm on Monday, October 9 2017.