CHARITIES across Swindon could increase their coffers, thanks to the Advertiser's parent company.

The Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of our parent company, is on the lookout for groups and organisations across the town which would benefit from grants.

Today we are asking for those groups which benefit their community to apply for the chance to get extra money.

But there's only a month to get the application forms in.

Earlier this year the Wroughton-based Prospect Hospice used the money it received from the foundation to buy a new van to service its seven charity shops in Swindon, Wootton Bassett, Marlborough and Pewsey.

Prospect fundraiser Andrew Thompson said at the time: "The grant from the Gannett Foundation will have a direct impact on the care the Prospect Hospice provides in the local community by enabling us to raise much-needed funds.

"A new van will greatly improve the distribution of quality goods which have been donated to us across the seven shops, which together brought in more than £600,000 gross last year."

Other groups which have benefited from the grants have included the North Wiltshire Women's Refuge, which was awarded £1,000 to buy a computer, workstation and printer for a new children's playroom.

Another group, the Swindon Ten to Eighteen Project - STEP - was given £2,750 to buy new laptops and software to help support young people with learning disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds who use the service.

Donations range from £1,000 to £5,000, but larger grants may be be made for exceptional projects.

howtoapply

  • The foundation wants as many good causes from across the Swindon area to take part
  • All applicants must be registered as a charity and willing to co-operate in publicising the grants
  • All applications must be submitted on the approved application form
  • The deadline for applications is Friday, October 13
  • Entry forms can be downloaded from www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk
  • For more information call 01793 501843 or email editor@newswilts.co.uk