Your chance to bid for share of $1 million (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Your chance to bid for share of $1 million

CHARITIES in the Cotswolds and North Wiltshire are once again being invited to benefit from a share of nearly $1million.

The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of the Gannett Co. Inc, owner of the Newsquest Media Group, which publishes the Standard.

The Foundation has provided funding to support local organisations and supports projects that take a creative approach to fundamental issues affecting young people and disabled people.

In the UK the Foundation gives priority to: * Youth projects, particularly engaging and involving young people in the development of the those projects * Projects that benefit people with special needs either through disability or disadvantage.

Grants will be for £1,000 to £5,000, but larger grants may be made for exceptional projects.

Applications will only be considered from registered charities and grants cannot be considered for the following: individuals; national or regional organisations unless the project addresses specific local community needs; uniformed youth groups; as part contribution to a salary whether part or full time; promotion of religious causes; endowment funds; general appeals, general contribution to costs or multi-year campaigns; medical or research organisations; animal charities; from applicants who have received a grant within the past 12 months.

In 2003 four local charities - Cirencester Housing for Young People, Musicspace, Noah's Ark Children's Venture and Cirencester Opportunity Group - successfully applied for grants totaling almost £15,000.

And in the summer of this year, two local good causes - Watershed Riding for the Disabled and Cotswold Staying Put - were awarded a total of £7,000.

To apply for a Gannett Foundation Grant send an email to editor@wiltsglosstandard.co.uk with 'Gannett Foundation' in the subject box or send an SAE to Gannett Foundation, The Editor, Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard, 74 Dyer Street, Cirencester, GL7 2PW for an application form.

Completed applications must be returned to the Standard by Friday, September 24.

So don't delay - apply today!