AN Oxfordshire charity has urged other good causes in the county to apply for a grant, which they say transformed their services.

Age UK Oxfordshire, formerly Age Concern Oxfordshire, was granted £3,800 from the Oxford Mail’s parent company Gannett in May, 2009.

The money allowed them to create new rooms so that older people could talk to staff in confidence at their centre in Banbury.

Every six months, the Gannett Foundation hands out about £250,000 to charities in the UK. And the search is now on for groups in Oxfordshire who need its help. The deadline for entries is next month, so organisations are being urged to get their applications in as soon as possible.

Amanda Bowley, development manager for Age UK Oxfordshire, said the money had made a big difference to services the charity had been able to offer to elderly people.

She said: “Thanks to the Gannett Foundation we are now able to offer a private and dedicated space at our Banbury offices for clients to receive support and advice.

“We have also started IT training sessions for older people, which is hugely valued and enjoyed.”

Age UK Oxfordshire was one of three charities which received money from the Gannett Foundation in May 2009.

Mental health organisation Restore, in Didcot, received £15,000 towards a new minibus and The Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, at Milton Park, was given £2,632 for an automatic door.

In December Oxfordshire Crossroads received £25,300 for a specially adapted van.

Oxford Mail editor Simon O’Neill said: “The Gannett Foundation has helped make a difference to many worthy causes, but there are many more which may be in need of cash in these hard times.

“We would urge charities to apply for the grant.”

  • To apply for a grant, download a form by following the link below.
  • Alternatively you can write to the Oxford Mail offices to request an application pack. The address is Oxford Mail, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0EJ.
  • All applications must be submitted by September 10, 2010
  • All donations are strictly at the discretion of the fund, but applicants should note that the fund will not consider unregistered charities