THE deadline for applications for the 2018 round of Gannett Foundation grants is looming.

The grants, from the charitable arm of Gannett, parent company of County Gazette owner Newsquest, are available to charities across areas covered by our titles.

But groups have until 5pm on Monday, October 8, to get their applications in - so no time to waste! 

Editor, Paul Jones, said: "The Gannett Foundation grants are a fantastic way for local charities to receive funding for community projects which really benefit Somerset.

"Last year, county groups received more than £10,000 from the scheme, which is a wonderful total - and we hope to back more worthwhile schemes this year."



The scheme supports registered charities with projects which take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as neighbourhood improvements, local problem-solving, economic development, youth enterprise, sport and healthy living, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, care of the elderly, environmental conservation, and educational or cultural enrichment.

We value projects that bring lasting benefits to communities served by our local newspapers and websites.

"I can't wait to see this year's submissions - I wish everyone well."

Applications must be submitted electronically, to paul.jones@countygazette.co.uk, before 5pm on Monday, October 8.

Some key pointers on applying for a Gannett Foundation grant:

The scheme supports registered charities with projects which take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as neighbourhood improvements, local problem-solving, economic development, youth enterprise, sport and healthy living, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, care of the elderly, environmental conservation, and educational or cultural enrichment.

We value projects that bring lasting benefits to communities served by our local newspapers and websites.

While preference may 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.

We entertain applications of any size or ambition.

Typically our grants are modest sums for practical projects, but we will consider awards to larger projects which deserve our backing.

We are also able to join with other contributors to support elements of larger projects, though we 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.

Decisions about funding will be made by the trustees based on the evidence submitted.

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 downloaded HERE.

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 electronically via email to paul.jones@countygazette.co.uk.

Submissions on paper are not encouraged, but if unavoidable, they must be sent to Gannett Foundation Grants, 44 St James Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1JR.

In every case, applications must arrive by 5pm on Monday, October 8.