RUNCORN and Widnes charities are invited to stake a claim for funding from the Gannett Foundation.

The cash has been put up by an arm of Gannett Co Inc, the American publishing giant that owns the World's parent company, Newsquest Mediagroup.

It supports projects that take a creative approach to community needs from which a large number of people benefit.

Priority is given to projects of lasting benefit to the community, such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, local problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

Modest applications will be considered, but the board of grant trustees actively encourage imaginative and ambitious projects on a bigger scale. Among those not eligible for funding are:

1.Individuals;

2.Organisations that are not registered charities;

3.National or regional organisations unless the project addresses specific local community needs;

4.Political, religious or uniformed groups;

5.Multi-year campaigns, animal charities or school groups (excluding special needs schools).

If an applicant has received a grant in the past two years they are not eligible for a grant this time around. Over the last 10 years, the Gannett Foundation has made grants in the UK totalling more than £4 million.

•For an application form, write to: Gannett grants, Runcorn & Widnes World, c/o The Academy, 138 Bridge Street, Warrington WA1 2RU or click on the link below to download a form.

The deadline for applications is Friday, September 21. Any applications which do not meet the judging panel's criteria will be rejected