LOCAL organisations are being urged to apply for a cash boost from the Gannett Foundation.

Imaginative ideas on how to benefit the community will be rewarded by the charitable arm of the US media firm Gannett, which owns Newsquest Media, publisher of the Dorset Echo.

Registered charities in South and West Dorset are invited to submit detailed applications to the Dorset Echo outlining how they would benefit from a grant.

The grants are designed to support projects that benefit a broad section of the local population or are seen to have lasting benefit to the community.

Imaginative and ambitious applications from causes and projects that take a ‘creative approach to local community needs’ are welcomed along with charitable enterprises to fund individuals to obtain skills to benefit the community.

Last year Dorchester Amateur Boxing Club’s 400 members were helped by a £2,800 grant to buy a new treadmill.

Ben Geyser, the club’s head coach, said it is somewhere people go to build confidence as well as fitness.

He said: “The running machine will help the boys with their cardio fitness and help get them into their peak shape.

He added “It’s not just about fitness it’s about building character as well.

“It keeps young people off the streets plus once they start boxing they gain more respect for their fellow man and people in general.

“You can see a change come over them. It gives them an extra bit of confidence so they can walk tall in life.”

Successful grant applications will include schemes for neighbourhood improvement and local problem-solving, economic development, youth development, education and cultural creativity, help for the disadvantaged or disabled and environmental conservation.

Applications will not be considered from non-registered charities, those intended to fund salaries or running costs, political or regional organisations or state or privately owned schools – except special needs schools or hospitals other than hospices.

Previous applicants of the last two years will also not be considered during this round of funding.

Last year other successful applicants were Dorset Search and Rescue (DorSAR), Dorset Youth Association for their Routes cafe bar and waterside Weymouth Community Forum.

APPLICATIONS must be submitted on an official form, available upon request from the Dorset Echo or downloaded via our website by clicking here Gannettapplicationform2011.doc

Applicants should apply for grant money for specified items or purposes and include detailed costings by Friday, October 14.

This deadline has been set to ensure the Dorset Echo can vet applications before forwarding them to the foundation’s administrators no later than Friday, October 28.

Applications returned to the Dorset Echo after October 14 will not be forwarded for consideration.

Please call 01305 830987 or email paul.crompton@dorsetecho.co.uk for more information or a form.

Postal applications should be returned to Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD.

Please note applications can be submitted via email this year. If requesting a form by post please include your full postal address.