A WORTHY charity could be thousands of pounds better off thanks to the Adver.

Each year the paper's parent company, Gannett, awards a generous grant to a small but dedicated community project making a difference in the Swindon and Wiltshire area through its Foundation Fund.

The Fund 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.

This year, Gannett is particularly keen to hear from local groups who meet the needs of rural communities. Although any other charities are welcome to put in a bid for funding.

“We look forward to another swathe of applications," said Gary Lawrence, regional editor for Newsquest Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. "Over the years we have been able to help dozens of charities and groups across Swindon and Wiltshire.

“The sums we have given away haven’t always been huge but they have all made a real difference to the people who benefit from them."

Last year, Gannett awarded £5,000 to volunteer doctors’ charity SWIFT Medics toward new equipment and training. Thanks to the grant the charity was able to grow its team and reach patients further afield.

In 2014, Swindon’s Women’s Aid was given £3,700 to build a children’s play area at its refuge.

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.

Gannett will not consider applications to fund salaries, professional fees, day-to-day running, 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.

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.

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

Applications with supporting documents should be sent via email to charlotte.cross@newsquest.co.uk by 5pm on Friday, October 14. Paper submissions must be sent to Charlotte Cross, Swindon Advertiser, 100 Victoria Road, Swindon, SN1 3BE.