Gannett Foundation application form

Portland-based Chesil Sailability was a recipient of a grant from the Gannett Foundation last year.

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.

Trustee of Chesil Sailability Hugh de Iongh spoke of how the £1,100 grant had helped the group as the latest round of grants from the Gannett Foundation is opened.

He said: “It was for two purposes. One was the purchase of new sails for our race team, a team of sailors with disabilities competing in events. And this grant also enabled us to purchase trolleys to help our volunteers move safety and sailing equipment to and from the pontoons when we run sailing sessions.”

Mr de Iongh said the sails had been an important part of the team’s success – at the last event they came first and third in their class.

The trolleys have also been a “real help” and saving volunteers time and effort. Mr de Iongh added: “This grant directly supports sailors with disabilities and volunteers and we would like to thank the Gannett Foundation for this really valuable support.”

Charities in Dorset are now being urged to apply for grants from the Gannett Foundation for 2017.

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.

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.

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 accessed 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.