Charities invited to get bids in for cash

From the archive, first published Wednesday 28th Sep 2005.

THOUSANDS of pounds are up for grabs for charities in Swindon. The Gannett Foundation Fund ­ the charitable arm of the Swindon Advertiser's parent company ­ is on the hunt for charities that would benefit most from its Christmas cash grants, which can be as high as £5,000.

The foundation is particularly keen to hear from organisers of youth projects and those which benefit people with special needs.

And they have almost a month to get their applications in.

It supports projects which take a creative approach to issues, including:

Assisting disadvantaged people

Neighbourhood improvements

Education Youth development

Environmental conservation.

The winner of last year's grant was The Tuesday Club in Malmesbury.

The lunch club was awarded £300.

Last year's winners included Brimble Hill Riding For The Disabled, in Wroughton, which received £700 while Technology For The Disabled ­ Tech 4D ­ in Pinehurst received £1,000.

This year the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton is hoping to be considered for the grant.

In 2003, the hospice received the maximum £5,000.

"We were extremely grateful for the grant," said Jane McCutchan, the trust fundraiser at the hospice.

The grant was used to fund the hospice's Get Your Kit Off campaign.

"With the money we were able to purchase specially marked bags, which people could use to donate clothes and other items we could sell in our shops," she said.

"It was a win win situation because we helped the com munity to recycle more and it encouraged more people to donate quality items to our shops.

"We were very grateful for the money and fingers crossed our application this year will be considered in our 25th anniversary year."

The foundation wants more good causes across the Swindon area to apply for the grants.

All applicants must be registered as a charity and be willing to co-operate in publicising the grants.

Only applications on the official application form will be considered for a grant.

Entry forms can be collected from the Swindon Advertiser offices in Victoria Road and should be returned by Friday, October 14.

Mark them for the attention of Pauline Howard.

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