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

The Gannett Foundation, which is operated by the US parent company of Newsquest Media Group, one of the UK's largest publishers and owners of the Craven Herald, is inviting applications from registered charities that need cash for projects tackling issues across the district.

The fund supports registered charities with projects that take a creative approach to issues such as neighbourhood improvements, local 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 and merit awards of between £5,000 and £10,000 and, although preference may be given to ideas that create a durable legacy for their community, single events or projects of limited duration will also be considered.

Last year's winners included Cancer Support Bradford and Airedale, which was granted £5,545, and HF Trust Ltd, which received £2,750.

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 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.

The 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 be used to pay salaries, professional fees, or day-to-day running and maintenance costs.

Application forms and supporting document can be downloaded by logging on to cravenherald.co.uk/foundation.

Completed forms should be e-mailed to elaine.wilson@telegraphandargus.co.uk by 5pm on October 16.