Charities that make a lasting difference to communities are invited to apply for grants of up to £50,000 from the Gannett Foundation.

Funds are awarded twice a year to registered charities from the foundation, the charitable arm of the company that owns the Telegraph & Argus.

The organisation supports projects which take a creative approach to helping communities. Grants are available for specific items and purposes.

Detailed costings should be provided and priority will be given to projects with lasting benefits. In the past, grants have paid for a specially-adapted mini bus for the elderly and people with learning disabilities, projects which benefit people with special needs through sports, environment, conservation and local history projects.

Last year’s winners included Keighley-based transport service Dial-a-Ride, which was awarded £21,450 to replace an ageing vehicle.

The service is available to people who are frail and cannot use normal transport. A VW Caddy Life, with special access for a wheelchair, replaced a ten-year-old Renault Kangoo and was provided as the organisation increased its services.

Previous winners also include the Special Needs Objective Outreach Project (SNOOP), which helps children and young people with disabilities and communication problems.

The project, in Greengates, Bradford, was awarded £2,000 by the foundation to fund a DVD to explain ‘Help, I’m Lost’ cards, created to help young people when they feel vulnerable and are in need of help.

Other winners have included homeless charity Bradford Nightstop, education project the Vine Trust, Haworth Riding for the Disabled and Bradford Community Environment Project.

To apply for a share of the latest grants, contact the Editor’s PA Sue Bains on (01274) 705228 or e-mail sue.bains@telegraphandargus.co.uk for further details.

Completed application forms should be returned to the Telegraph & Argus, Hall Ings, Bradford, BD1 1JR, by Friday, September 10.