Cash-strapped charities and community groups from across the county are being urged to apply for a crunch-busting grant from the Oxford Mail.

The Mail’s parent company, Gannett, has thousands of pounds up for grabs. The giveaway comes after Oxford City Council announced it was cutting funding to community groups and neighbourhood projects by £150,000 each year for the next three years due to financial pressures.

Groups and charities have until Wednesday, March 25, to apply to Gannet for grants – which can be up to £50,000. Non-registered charities, individuals or schools are not eligible to apply.

Mail editor Simon O'Neill said: “These are difficult financial times for everyone in Oxfordshire and many charitable organisations and excellent community groups may be struggling to get the donations they deserve.

“Even Oxford City Council is having to cut back on the amount of money it can afford to give to community groups and neighbourhood projects, which are often a lifeline to many people in our community. A large amount of funding is available from our parent company and the Gannett Foundation so we urge groups not to miss out.”

Ben Beaumont, chairman of the East Oxford Community Association, said dozens of groups across the area faced budget shortfalls as a result of the city council cuts.

He said: “We are run very efficiently but struggling to keep our head above the water. If the groups that use the centre start losing money then so will we.”

For full conditions of entry and to download an application form visit oxfordmail.co.uk/news/gannettfoundation.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk