THE deadline for Oxfordshire charities and community groups to bid for money from the Oxford Mail’s parent company is fast approaching.

Groups and organisations have until Wednesday, March 25, to apply for thousands of pounds on offer from the Gannett Foundation, the Oxford Mail’s parent company.

Derek Holmes, editor of our sister paper The Oxford Times, said: “We would urge local groups to have a look at the Gannett Foundation and the criteria to see if they meet them, and if they do, we would encourage them to apply.

“Every year, half a dozen organisations in Oxfordshire benefit from the fund and we usually get dozens of applications.”

Among the organisations which have won grants in the past is Oxford charity Trax, which received £9,200 to develop a youth cafe in the last round of funding.

Grants can be up to £50,000 but non-registered charities, individuals or schools are not eligible to apply.

They are aimed at projects which take a creative approach to local community needs and will benefit a large number of people, with priority given to schemes which will have a lasting benefit, will help people with special needs, and sport, environment, conservation and local history projects.

For more information about Gannet foundation grants and to download an application form, see gannettfoundation.org or look under the news section at our website, oxfordmail.co.uk