Community groups in west Dorset are reminded they can apply for a grant to help their cause.

The Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of the Bridport and Lyme Regis News' parent company, provides funding to registered charities in areas where Newsquest publishes local newspapers and websites.

The focus is on charities with projects which take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as neighbourhood improvements, local problem-solving, economic development, youth enterprise, sport and healthy living, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, care of the elderly, environmental conservation, and educational or cultural enrichment.

Recipients last year included the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis which received £5,000 to improve disabled access facilities.

While preference may be given to ideas which create a durable legacy for the community, we will consider single events or projects of limited duration that otherwise meet our criteria.

Typically our grants are modest sums for practical projects, but we will consider awards to larger projects.

We are also 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 about funding will be made by the trustees 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 application form available here

GANNETT FOUNDATION APPLICATION FORM 2018.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 electronically via email to newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk

Applications must arrive by 5pm on Monday, October 8.