CHARITIES making a lasting difference to communities in the Bradford district are again 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.

In 2012, Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope received a cheque for £9,600 from the foundation, using the money to buy two high-tech air mattresses to boost the comfort of patients.

The new mattresses have a layer of air beneath a thick layer of memory foam, meaning they are adaptable to suit the height and weight of individual patients.

Sarah Bottomley, head of clinical care, said some patients had found the previous ridged air mattresses too soft and difficult to get up from.

“Thanks to the money from Gannett and other sources we have been able to provide Oska Cirrus mattresses, which are the absolute best in terms of pressure sore prevention," she said.

"Our patients really love them.

"It's a rolling programme to replace them all, so we were very grateful for the donation.

"Comfort is one of the most basic things we can offer people who come to us for care and as many people spend a long time in their beds, these mattresses have made a tremendous difference."

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.

* Applications must be submitted by email via the approved application form, which can be downloaded from the Telegraph & Argus website, and returned to claire.simpson@telegraphandargus.co.uk by 5pm on Monday, September 29.