IT is time for charities to throw their hat in the ring for a chance to receive thousands of pounds courtesy of the Adver’s parent company.

Each year the Gannett Foundation Fund awards a grant to a worthy project making a difference in the Swindon and Wiltshire area.

It supports registered charities running schemes that bring lasting benefits to the towns and villages which they serve whether it be through neighbourhood improvements, by boosting economic and youth development, education and cultural enrichment, caring for the elderly or disabled, or helping the disadvantaged.

Last year, Gannett awarded £5,000 to volunteer doctors’ charity Swift Medics toward new equipment and training.

The organisation’s volunteers respond to road traffic accidents and other medical emergencies across the region to support NHS ambulance teams requiring the help of an appropriately qualified doctor at the scene.

In the worst cases, they can administer painkillers stronger than morphine and reduce suffering by administering other treatment, such as anaesthesia, that the ambulance paramedics are not able to provide.

Thanks to the grant the charity was able to grow its team and reach patients further afield.

“The grant has made a massive difference,” said trustee Bob Holman. "Every bit of money we got went directly to saving lives, making people better and saving them from life-changing experiences, or ending up in a wheelchair for example.

"What needs to be reiterated is that our volunteers are at the top of their game. They are incredible professionals who spent most of their time saving lives in the theatre and then, in their family times, deliver their skills on the roadside."

Volunteer Tom McEvoy added: "The success of our service in Swindon and Wiltshire means South Western Ambulance Service are now calling our volunteer doctors to attend more emergencies in Bristol and North Somerset."

While all organisations will be considered, each year Gannett encourages a particular cross-section of the charity sector to apply. This time, it is urging groups who meet the needs of rural communities to put in a bid for funding.

A foundation spokesman said: “We particularly invite clearly reasoned applications asking for specific items of equipment or materials. Most of our applications are for relatively modest sums meeting everyday needs, but we will consider worthwhile projects on a bigger scale. While preference will be given to ideas which create a durable legacy for the community, we will consider single events or projects of limited duration that otherwise meet our criteria."

Over the last decade, the Gannett Foundation, which acts as the charitable arm of the Adver's publisher, Newsquest, has awarded more than £4m to good causes across the UK.

All applicants must supply copies of their most recent accounts or other appropriate financial information, together with any supporting materials and details of the organisation’s managing committee.

Gannett will not consider applications to fund salaries, professional fees, day-to-day running or maintenance costs or support general appeals. State or privately-run schools, except for special needs schools, or hospitals other than hospices, will not be considered.

To download an application form visit www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/gannett_grant_2016

Applications with supporting documents should be sent to Charlotte Cross, Swindon Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BE, by 5pm on Friday, October 14.