THOUSANDS of pounds are up for grabs for charities in the York area to support projects which benefit the entire community.

The money is being provided by The Gannett Foundation – the charitable arm of The Press’s parent company – which supports projects that take a creative approach to community needs and from which a large number of people benefit. Since its inception the scheme has given thousands of pounds away, granting the wishes of charities across the district.

Last year the Community Furniture Store, in James Street, York, was given £15,000 to buy a second van for its work, which involves collecting and restoring unwanted furniture for local people in need.

Other local charities which have benefited in the past include York Blind and Partially Sighted Society which received £2,231 from The Gannett Foundation to help it buy new equipment, and York Boxing Club and Young People’s Fitness Centre in Layerthorpe which was given £5,000 to develop its work.

It is intended that the grants be of use to as many people as possible in The Press circulation area so certain criteria are in place to ensure the best use is made of the money.

For this reason grants are not given to: individuals; organisations that are not registered charities; national or regional organisations unless the project addresses specific local community needs; political, religious or uniformed groups; salaries, training costs, publicity funding or general running costs; endowment funds; general appeals, general contribution to costs or multi-year campaigns; medical or research organisations; animal charities; school groups (excluding special needs schools).

Grants will be for a maximum of £50,000 and priority is give to projects of lasting benefit such as a specially adapted minibuses for elderly people, projects that benefit people with special needs either through disability or disadvantage, and sport, environment, conservation and local history projects.

Any charity wanting to request a grant must apply using the official application form which is available to download at www.yorkpress.co.uk/gannettform

Alternatively email paula.homer@thepress.co.uk or call her on (01904) 567172.

Applicants must submit four copies of the application form and any supporting literature. They should be sent for the attention of Paula Homer, The Press, PO Box 29, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday September 2, and the criteria for applications can be viewed at yorkpress.co.uk/gannettcriteria