THE latest round of Gannett Foundation grants has been launched, giving charities and community groups across the Hampshire and Wiltshire area the chance to apply for funding towards projects which aim to bring real benefits to their areas.

The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, the parent company of Newsquest Media Group, one of the UK’s largest publishers and owners of the Andover Advertiser.

It provides funding to registered charities in the areas where it operates local newspapers and websites.

The foundation supports registered charities with projects which take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, local problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

The foundation values projects that bring lasting benefits to communities served by its local newspapers and websites.

While preference may be given to ideas which create a durable legacy for the community, single events or projects of limited duration that otherwise meet the criteria are also considered.

Applications of any size or ambition are entertained, though typically the grants are made for substantial projects which require and merit awards of between £5,000 and £10,000.

Modest applications are also considered but the foundation actively encourages adventurous projects on a larger scale.

The foundation is able to join with other contributors to support elements of larger projects, though it would prefer to be in a position of making a donation which will fund a project entirely or which constitutes the final instalment to complete a project.

The foundation will favour projects that demonstrate good planning, oversight and financial responsibility.

As a prerequisite, the submission of copies of the charity’s most recent financial accounts are required.

In addition, any supporting materials and further details concerning the overall aims of the charity should be included with each submission.

Each nomination will be judged on its own merits at the absolute discretion of the trustees, whose decision is final.

Applications must be submitted on the approved application form, which can be requested by emailing anne.dickie@dailyecho.co.

uk.

Any applications which do not meet our criteria, or which do not follow our rules and procedures, will be rejected.

The completed form and supporting document should be sent via email to anne.

dickie@dailyecho.co.uk by 5pm on Friday, 12 September.