CHARITIES making a lasting difference to communities in the district are being urged to apply for grants of up to £10,000 from the charitable arm of the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer and Ilkley Gazette.

The Gannett Foundation, which is operated by the US company that owns this newspaper, is inviting applications from registered charities which need cash for projects tackling issues across the district.

The projects could include education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

Last year, Gannett awarded more than £300,000 across the newspaper group’s UK circulation area.

Typically, grants are given for substantial projects which require and merit awards of between £5,000 and £10,000 and, although preference may be given to ideas which create a durable legacy for their community, single events or projects of limited duration will also be considered. Decisions in respect of the value of the funding will be made by the trustees and based on the evidence submitted.

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

The completed form and supporting document should be sent via email to claire.simpson@nqyne.co.uk by 5pm on Monday, September 29.

Submissions on paper will not be accepted.