CHARITIES and good causes have just a few weeks left to apply for one of The Gannett Foundation grants.

In the past 10 years, the Foundation has made grants in the UK totalling more than £4 million and in the Bolton area lots of groups have been able to fulfil projects, thanks to a donation.

The Foundation is the charity arm of Gannett Co, the owners of Newsquest Media group, which publishes The Bolton News.

This year, the Foundation is looking for imaginative and ambitious projects on a larger scale, as well as the more modest applications — but all of which have the community at their heart.

Grants can vary in value up to £10,000.

Good Companions Bolton knows the benefit of being given a grant. It was awarded £3,265 for a new shed, greenhouse and other equipment for its allotment in Avenue Street, Halliwell.

The group gives relatives of disabled people a rest from caring for them and gives those with disabilities the opportunity to work together in the community.

The application rules have been relaxed this year so that Scouts and Guides may apply.

However, any group applying must be a registered charity and must not have had a Gannett grant within the past two years.

The Foundation will not fund salaries, professional fees or day-to-day running or maintenance costs; general appeals as opposed to specific projects; political or religious organisations; or state or privately-run schools (other than special needs) or hospitals (other than hospices).

Organisations can apply either online at gannettfound ation.org/gannettapplication form 2011.doc or by writing to: Lisa Schofield, The Bolton News, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE, or by emailing lisa.

schofield@theboltonnews.co.uk All applications have to be submitted on the official form and should be sent to the above address by Friday, October 7.