The Gazette’s parent company is inviting community groups to apply for grants.

The Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc and the parent company of Newsquest, is looking for worthy causes it can support.

The grants are open to registered charities with projects which take a creative approach to issues such as healthy living, care of the elderly and the environment.

The project must bring lasting benefits to the communities.

Dom Bowers, head of content at the Gazette, said: “Last year, we handed out thousands of pounds for a number of excellent causes and we are looking forward to doing that again.”

Typically the grants are modest sums for practical projects, but awards for larger projects will also be considered.

Decisions about funding will be made by the trustees based on the evidence submitted.

The foundation will favour projects demonstrating good planning, oversight and financial responsibility.

As a prerequisite, 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.

Applications must be submitted on the approved application form, which can be downloaded at gazette-news.co.uk/gannett.

The completed form and supporting document should be sent via email to michele.newman@newsquest.co.uk. Applications must arrive by 5pm on October 8.