CHARITIES making a lasting difference to communities in the Bradford district are being urged to apply for grants of up to £10,000 from the charitable arm of the Telegraph & Argus.

The Gannett Foundation, which is operated by the US company that owns the T&A, is inviting applications from registered charities which need cash for projects tackling issues across the district.

The projects could include education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

Last year, Gannett awarded more than £300,000 across the newspaper group's UK circulation area.

One major recipient was the Bradford Beekeepers' Association, which received £9,713 to create an education project designed to turn youngsters into budding apiarists.

Previous attempts to engage with schools, colleges and community groups had been hit by the charity's limited resources, but thanks to the Gannett funding, it now hopes to host visits to its Knowles Park Apiary in Dudley Hill, Tong, from next spring to allow young people to see a working hive, extract honey, make candles, and learn about bee-friendly plants and trees.

DOWNLOAD A GANNETT FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATION FORM

David Lamont, vice-chairman and membership secretary of the group, said: "We wanted to show children the importance of bees and pollination and how if affects their lives.

"We need to educate children about the species at a young age and promote interest in beekeeping, because bees are under threat and won't survive without them."

Despite thieves ransacking the apiary in July, the project remains on track with educational packs, featuring a DVD with classroom and outdoor activities relating to bees and pollinators, set to be sent to schools across the district this winter.

"We really liked the broad spectrum of projects the Gannett grants went to, and it's a great opportunity for local community groups," said Mr Lamont.

"The money has already made a massive difference, and what we have achieved on the project so far would have been impossible without it."

Typically, grants are given for substantial projects which require and merit awards of between £5,000 and £10,000 and, although preference may be given to ideas which create a durable legacy for their community, single events or projects of limited duration will also be considered.

Decisions in respect of the value of the funding will be made by the trustees and based on the evidence submitted.

The foundation will favour projects that demonstrate good planning, oversight and financial responsibility, and 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.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A GRANT

Applications must be submitted by email via the approved application form, which can be downloaded HERE. Completed applications should be returned to claire.simpson@telegraphandargus.co.uk by 5pm on Monday, September 29.

Any received after that date will not be considered, and any applications which do not meet the criteria or do not follow our rules and procedures will be rejected.

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

Funding can not be used to pay salaries, professional fees, or day-to-day running or maintenance costs.

The grants will NOT be given to; general appeals as opposed to specific projects, projects that do not bring benefits to local communities, projects with political or religious objectives, state or privately-run schools, other than special needs, or hospitals, other than hospices.

 

DOWNLOAD A GANNETT FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATION FORM