APPLICATIONS have been rolling in for this year’s Gannett Foundation, which offers grants to local charities and community groups.

The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of Gannett, the parent company of the Telegraph & Argus, which each year offers grants to charities in areas covered by its newspapers.

Last year, four charities and community groups in Bradford shared £16,000 of funding, helping them carry out important work in the community.

Groups have until the end of next week to submit applications to be considered for funding.

Charities which have already applied for a grant include Haworth Riding for the Disabled, the Bingley-based Down Syndrome Training and Support Service, Skipton Extended Learning for All (SELFA), and the Run on Sun Fun(d) Charitable Trust, based in Baildon.

Haworth RDA has applied for £9,000 of funding to buy a new muck trailer to help clear more land at its Vale Mill Stables home for grazing, which would allow the riding school to buy a new horse for its members.

The Down Syndrome Training and Support Service is asking for £708 to fund a six-week counselling course for families who are struggling to cope with the demands of bringing up a child with a disability or learning disabilities.

SELFA has requested almost £3,000 to fund a new after-school club for local children on the autism spectrum, allowing them to make new friends, develop social skills, and try new activities under the supervision of expertly-trained staff.

The Run for Sun Fun(d) works at Glenaire Primary School in Baildon to promote renewable energy and the need to tackle climate change, and has applied for £12,000 to buy solar panels, LED lighting and an inverter to make the school more environmentally friendly.

DOWNLOAD A GANNETT FOUNDATION GRANT APPLICATION FORM

Last year, 32 groups in the district applied for grants, and it is hoped a similar number will ask for funding again this year.

In 2016, money was awarded to help Bradford Toy Library buy a new hoist to help parents with disabled children go on holiday, Bradford Amateur Rowing Club received funding to buy two new mixed-ability boats for disabled members to use, Sandale Community Development Trust was granted money to fund a Sunday dinner service to combat loneliness, and Artwork Creative Communities received money to build a new community garden in Great Horton.

The deadline for applications is Friday, October 6. To enter, download an application form and submit the completed form to elaine.wilson@nqyne.co.uk. Applications must be submitted by email.