Swindon charities have the chance to win money to support their organisation.

Grants are being offered by the Gannett Foundation to local projects which aim to bring lasting benefits to the community.

The foundation is the charitable arm of Gannett, the parent company of the Adver’s owners Newsquest.

Last year, Swindon Women’s Aid won a £1,650 grant to help it sustain an eight-week recovery course for children and young people.

Caroline Smith, children and young person’s support services manager for the charity, said at the time: “We were quite surprised to hear about it.

“We run the course throughout the year. It helps young people recover from what’s happened to them, improves their self-esteem and teaches them new coping strategies.”

In previous years, winners have included the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, which won £1,690 for two defibrillators.

A spokesperson for the Gannett Foundation said: “We support those registered charities with projects which take a creative approach to fundamental issues.

“For example, neighbourhood improvements, local problem-solving, economic development, youth enterprise, sport and healthy living, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, care of the elderly, environmental conservation, and educational or cultural enrichment.

“We entertain applications of any size or ambition.

“Typically, our grants are modest sums for practical projects.

“We are also able to join with other contributors to support elements of larger projects.

“However, we prefer to be in a position of making a donation which will fund a project entirely or which constitutes the final instalment to complete a project.”

Copies of the charity’s most recent financial accounts must be submitted with the application.

In addition, any supporting materials and further details concerning the overall aims of the charity should be included with each submission.

Applications must be submitted using the form which can be downloaded here.

The completed form and supporting documents must then be emailed to ian.parker@newsquest.co.uk

Submissions by paper are not encouraged, but if unavoidable, they must be sent to Swindon Advertiser, 1 & 2 Richmond House, Edison Park, Swindon, SN3 3RB.

All applications must arrive by noon on Monday, October 18.