Charities can apply for money to help local projects through the Times Series. The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc., the parent company of Newsquest Media Group, one of the UK's largest publishers and owners of the Times Series. It provides funding to registered charities in the areas where it operates local newspapers and websites.

It supports those registered charities with projects that take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, local problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

The foundation values 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, it will consider single events or projects of limited duration that otherwise meet its criteria.

Applications of any size or ambition are invited, though typically grants are made for substantial projects that require and merit awards of between £5,000 and £10,000. The foundation will consider much more modest applications as well, but actively encourages adventurous projects on a larger scale. It is 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 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. 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 GANNETT FOUNDATION APPLICATION FORM 2014 V1.docx. 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 via email to mbuhagiar@london.newsquest.co.uk by 5pm on September 12. Submissions on paper will not be accepted.