CHARITIES are being invited to apply to the Isle of Wight County Press for funding — to help bring lasting benefits to the Island community.

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 Isle of Wight County Press.

It provides funding to registered charities in the areas where it operates local newspapers and websites.

It supports registered 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.

It values projects that bring lasting benefits to communities served by Newsquest's local newspapers and websites.

Last year's IW allocation of £5,000 went to Havenstreet Community Centre.

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

Applications can be of any size or ambition. Typically the grants are modest sums for practical projects, but awards to larger projects which deserve backing will be considered.

The foundation is able to join with other contributors to support elements of larger projects, but prefer to make a donation to 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, 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, which can be downloaded 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 documents should be sent electronically via email to grant@iwcp.co.uk. Submissions on paper are not encouraged, but if unavoidable, they must be sent to the Isle of Wight County Press, Brannon House, 123 Pyle Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1ST.

All applications must arrive by 5pm on Monday, October 8, 2018.