YOUR Worcester News is giving local charities the chance to improve their community by applying for a Gannett Foundation Fund grant.

We can give charity groups the opportunity of a helping hand, with grants typically between £5,000 and £10,000, although more may be available for a larger project.

The funding is thanks to Gannett, the American parent company of Newsquest and owners of the Worcester News.

Last year, St Swithun’s in Church Street, Worcester, received £9,375, which helped the Friends of St Swithun’s, who work closely with the Church Conservation Trust look after the old building and keep it open. They installed a water heater, sinks, extra lighting and power sockets, carried out plaster repairs and redecorated the east entrance.

The Gannett Foundation supports projects that take a creative approach to local community needs.

The trust will always look favourably on applications which will benefit a large number of people over a long period. All applicants must be registered charities.

Grants will not be given to general appeals, for salaries or general running costs, to political or religious organisations or to state or privately run schools (other than special needs) or hospitals (other than hospices).

Applicants who have received a Gannett grant in the past two years are not eligible to apply. Grants should be for specified items or purposes with detailed costings.

Applicants should make it clear how many people will benefit from the grant.

For an application form, call Roni Skye on 01905 742265 or e-mail roni.skye@midlands.newsquest.co.uk

Forms are also available on our website worcesternews.co.uk

The deadline is noon on Friday, October 14. Send forms to Roni Skye, Worcester News, Berrow’s House, Hylton Road, Worcester, WR2 5JX.