THERE are just three more days for charities to apply for thousands of pounds in the Oxford Mail’s parent company’s big cash giveaway.

The Gannett Foundation is offering up to £10,000 to registered charities across Oxfordshire.

The Oxford Mail has already received a number of applications from county charities.

Three charities were given more than £20,000 between them last year.

They include Oxfordshire Playbus, which was handed £2,879 last year so it could buy a 20x12ft stage for music festivals. Yellow Submarine, based in Oxford, received £10,800 so it could open a cafe.

SpecialEffect in Charlbury was given a donation of £7,000 by the foundation so it could buy a computer that allows users to play games with their eyes.

Oxford-based charity SAFE, which helps young people across the county who have been affected by crime, has this year applied for funding.

Director Beth Parrott said: “We have applied for the full £10,000 as it will help continue our one-to-one sessions with young people throughout Oxfordshire. Demand is continuing to rise for our services, so extra cash will help us cope with the demand.”

The Gannett Foundation is the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, which owns Newsquest and the Oxford Mail.

Charities can apply for a grant of up to £10,000.

Oxford Mail group editor Simon O’Neill said: “There are just three more days to get your application in.

“We have already received many applications, but there is still time to get yours in.

“I would urge people to come forward with their applications and I’m looking forward to seeing the wide range of causes which will be in the running this year.”

What to do

Each application will be judged on its own merits at the absolute discretion of the trustees, whose decision is final.

Bids must be submitted on the approved application form, which can be downloaded at oxfordmail.co.uk/ gannettfoundation

Any applications which do not meet the criteria or which do not follow the rules and procedures will be rejected.

The completed form and any supporting documents should be received by Newsquest Oxfordshire before 5pm on Monday, September 16, 2013, via email to gannett applications@nqo.com

Those excluded

The Trustees will not fund:

  • Salaries, professional fees or day-to-day running or maintenance costs.
  • General appeals as opposed to specific projects.
  • Projects that do not bring benefits to local communities.
  • Political or religious organisations.
  • State or privately-run schools (other than special needs) or hospitals (other than hospices).