CHARITIES making a lasting difference to communities in the district are being urged to apply for grants from the charitable arm of the Keighley News.

But they need to hurry as time is running out.

The Gannett Foundation – operated by the US parent company of Newsquest Media Group, one of the UK’s largest publishers and owner of the Keighley News – is inviting applications from registered charities that need cash for projects in the district.

The foundation supports registered charities with projects that take a creative approach to issues such as neighbourhood improvements, problem-solving, economic development, youth enterprise, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, care of the elderly, environmental conservation and educational or cultural enrichment.

Typically, grants are given for substantial projects that require merit awards of between £5,000 and £10,000 and, although preference may be given to ideas that create a durable legacy, single events or projects of limited duration will also be considered.

Past recipients of grants include Small World Cultural Arts Collective in Keighley, which was given £5,960, and Haworth Riding for the Disabled (RDA), which received £14,250 to create a state-of-the-art surface in its main building. “We were thrilled to receive the grant – the new surface made such a difference,” said Haworth RDA founder, Jackie Butterfield.

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 is required. Any supporting materials on the charity should also be included. Each nomination will be judged on its merits at the absolute discretion of the trustees, whose decision is final.

Grants will not be given to general appeals as opposed to specific projects, projects that do not bring benefits to local communities, projects with political or religious objectives, state or privately-run schools, other than special needs, or hospitals, other than hospices.

Funding cannot pay salaries, professional fees, running or maintenance costs. Download application forms and supporting document by logging on to keighleynews.co.uk/foundation.

Completed forms should be e-mailed to elaine.wilson@telegraphandargus.co.uk by 5pm on October 14.