IT’S that time of year again, when your Worcester News looks to give away thousands of pounds to local charities.

We are looking for local groups and organisations to benefit from the Gannett Foundation – the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, the parent company of Newsquest Media Group and owner of your Worcester News.

We value projects that bring lasting benefits to the communities and neighbourhoods served by our newspapers and online audience, including schemes for neighbourhood improvement, economic development, youth development, education and cultural creativity, help for the disadvantaged or disabled and environmental conservation. This year the Foundation is particularly keen to hear from hospices.

Typically the grants are between £5,000 and £10,000, although more modest applications are welcome.

The trustees who will decide on the winning applications will be looking for projects that demonstrate good planning, oversight and financial responsibility and their decision is final.

Last year two Worcester charities benefited from the scheme – St Richard’s Hospice in Wildwood Drive received £5,720 to buy syringe pumps, to help patients with symptom control and Sight Concern Worcestershire used its £7,200 grant to relaunch its newsletter Sightlines.

Applicants must be registered charities and must not have received a grant from us within the last two year. The scheme is now open to uniformed groups such as Scouts or Guides.

Charities must submit copies of their most recent financial accounts (where required by the Charities Commission), any supporting materials and details concerning the overall aims of the charity.

Applications must be submitted on the approved application form, obtained by e-mailing roni.skye@midlands.newsquest.co.uk.

Any applications which do not meet our criteria will be rejected.

The completed form and supporting document should be returned to roni.skye@midlands.newsquest.co.uk by 5pm on Friday, September 12.