CHARITIES and community groups in the Bradford district on the lookout for funding have until Friday to apply for a grant from the Gannett Foundation.

The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of Gannett, the parent company of Newsquest Media Group, which owns the Telegraph & Argus.

Charities and community groups can apply for a grant of up to £10,000 to help buy new equipment, pay for trips, and more.

One of the latest groups to apply for funding is the Keighley Sea Cadets, based at Maritime House in Waddington Street, Keighley.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION FORM

At the Sea Cadets, young people are given the opportunity to learn new skills, such as sailing, navigation and rowing, which helps to develop team work, communication and decision making. The cadets have applied for funding to improve infrastructure and facilities, and to buy new equipment. If successful, the money will be used to install a disabled toilet and wet room, allowing young people from a broader range of backgrounds and abilities to take part in activities, and allow other groups to use the cadets’ facilities. The group will also buy two ‘sliding seat’ rowing boats, to allow young people the chance to gain experience of competitive rowing and gain British Rowing qualifications.

Keighley Sea Cadets serves around 100 young people, with many from disadvantaged backgrounds, each year, and in the application, project officer Nicholas Beech said the money will address social needs “at the source”.

He said: “It is key that we address the problem by engaging with young people, rather than having to address the symptoms of social unrest and lack of inclusion due to inadequate learning and commitment to social engagement by adults.

“This funding will help us to establish our core team and central resource, which will last for years to come.”

Another group which has applied for funding is Settle Stories.

The Craven-based charity has applied for a grant to help towards the setting up of a new ‘Dream Factory’ project, a safe space for young people to develop new skills.

The application states: “In Settle and surrounding rural areas there is a current lack of provision for young people. The Dream Factory will increase opportunities for young people in our community.”

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday, October 14.