Thousands of pounds are available for community projects in south Bucks as the parent company of the Bucks Free Press opens up applications for its latest round of funding.

The Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of Gannet Co. Inc, is seeking applications for cash grants for worthy causes in our region, with an emphasis on the needs of rural communities.

In the last 10 years, the foundation has given away more than £4 million and we are appealing for those who are involved in charitable organisations to come forward with their requests for support.

In the last few years, South Bucks Hospice has been granted money for a new van and youth motor project Skidz received £3,500 to buy a hydraulic vehicle lift.

The foundation values practical and creative projects that bring lasting benefits to the communities and neighbourhoods served by our newspapers and online audience.

That includes schemes for neighbourhood improvement and local problem-solving, economic development, youth development, education and cultural enrichment, care of the elderly or infirm, help for the disadvantaged or disabled, and environmental conservation.

The foundation particularly invites clearly reasoned applications asking for specific items of equipment or materials.

Most of the applications are for relatively modest sums meeting everyday needs, but the foundation will consider worthwhile projects on a bigger scale.

And the foundation is also able to join with other contributors to support elements of more ambitious projects. While preference will be given to ideas which create a durable legacy for the community, we will consider single events or projects of limited duration that otherwise meet our criteria.

Each year, the foundation chooses a special theme and encourage relevant applications. The needs of rural communities is the chosen theme for 2016.

But equal consideration is given to all other applications the foundation receives that meet the general criteria.

Applicants must be registered charities and must not have received a grant from us within the last two years.

The foundation will not fund salaries, professional fees or day-to-day running or maintenance costs or general appeals as opposed to specific projects.

Projects also have to demonstrate a benefit to the south Bucks community, and political or religious objectives will not be funded.

State or privately run schools (other than special needs schools) or hospitals (other than hospices) are excluded.

You must supply copies of your most recent accounts (where required by the Charities Commission) or other appropriate financial information, together with any supporting materials and details of your organisation’s managing committee.

  • For an application form, contact Anne Dickie, PA to the editor-in-chief, Southern Daily Echo, Newspaper House, Test Lane, Redbridge. SO16 9JX. Or e-mail anne.dickie@dailyecho.co.uk. Closing date October 14.
  • Closing date for completed funding application forms to be submitted is Friday, October 14, 2016.