IT'S that time of year again - when Evening Press readers have a chance to share in a half-million-dollar bonanza.

The cash is available to worthy causes around the UK in areas served by the Evening Press's UK parent company, Newsquest.

Twice a year the money is put up by the Gannett Foundation, an arm of Newsquest's American parent company, and Evening Press readers have shared in some massive handouts.

In the last round of grants in November, SNAPPY (Special Needs Activity and Play Provision in York) and Accessible Arts was awarded £5,000 to help create a sensory room for children and young people with disabilities.

Accessible Arts, in Tadcaster Road, York, won £4,600 to plan and stage a musical extravaganza at the National Centre For Early Music later this year.

Ryedale & District Mencap received £500 and the Camphill Village Trust was awarded £2,500.

So yet another bundle of cash is available to good causes in our area.

The Gannett Foundation gives priority to:

Youth projects, particularly engaging and involving young people in the development of those projects

Projects that benefit people with special needs, either through disability or disadvantage.

Grants will not be given to:

Individuals, organisations that are not registered charities

National or regional organisations (unless the project addresses specific local community needs)

Uniformed youth groups (including Scouts and Guides)

As part contribution to a salary, whether part or full-time

For church restoration or maintenance, or for religious causes

Endowment funds, general appeals, general contribution to costs or multi-year campaigns

Medical or research organisations

Animal charities.

Grants will be sums of up to £5,000, but larger grants may be made for exceptional projects.

Applications for this latest round of handouts must be submitted on an application form, which can be obtained, along with criteria details, from Sky Ferrey at the Evening Press head office in Walmgate, York (phone 01904 653051) or email sky.ferrey@ycp.co.uk

Previously unsuccessful applicants may re-apply, providing they meet the criteria. Applicants who received a grant within the past 12 months are not eligible.

The completed form should reach Sky Ferrey by Thursday, March 24, 2005.

The Evening Press will expect you to co-operate with reasonable arrangements for publicity for any grant given.

Updated: 10:17 Monday, February 21, 2005