Forward-thinking charity organisations which make a lasting difference to communities in Bradford district are invited to apply for grants of up to £50,000 from the charitable arm of the Telegraph & Argus.

Funds are awarded twice a year to registered charities by the Gannett Foundation, which is operated by the company that owns the T&A.

The organisation supports projects which take a creative approach to helping communities, with grants available for specific items and purposes.

Perry Austin-Clarke, editor of the Telegraph & Argus, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer these grants through the Gannett Foundation to charity groups throughout the Bradford district.

“It can be a tough time for charities at the present time, with donations falling as people are tightening their belts, but we are proud of the tremendous work done by the many groups in our region and we feel it is important they are given the financial support they need.

“We are looking forward to hearing more about their projects."”

Detailed costings should be provided and priority will be given to projects which create lasting benefits for their communities.

In the past, grants have paid for an adapted minibus 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 Haworth Riding for the Disabled, which received £14,250 to create a state-of-the-art, dust-free surface in its main roofed building.

The floor, which replaces a rubber-based surface, has been laid in a £63,000 centre opened in 2009 by Princess Anne, president of Riding for the Disabled.

It was the second grant awarded by the Gannett Foundation to the school – in 2004 it received more than £4,000 to help finance a lecture room.

Other winners have included homeless charity Bradford Nightstop, education project the Vine Trust 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 applications should be sent to T&A communities editor, Peter Orme c/o Telegraph & Argus, Hall Ings, Bradford, BD1 1JR, by Friday, October 21.