18 groups bid for a share of charity cash (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

18 groups bid for a share of charity cash

10:00am Monday 24th September 2012 in News

THE Shuttle has received a record number of applications from Wyre Forest organisations bidding for cash grants.

Eighteen local groups have applied for almost £125,000 for specific projects that can make a difference to their communities.

They range from schemes to help young people, the elderly and those with disabilities to village halls and sports groups.

Shuttle editor Clive Joyce said: “I suppose it is a sign of the difficult economic times that charities need a little extra help to maintain their good work and develop new schemes.

“All are worthy of support, and many involve imaginitive projects that will make a difference to a lot of people who are disadvantaged.

“Unfortunately the pot of money available will only stretch so far, and so it will be a difficult task deciding which ones to put forward for the trustees to consider.”

The Gannett Foundation scheme is run by Gannett Co Inc, the American parent company of Newsquest Media Group and owner of The Shuttle.

It distributes hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to community projects in the areas covered by its portfolio of more than 200 local newspapers in the UK.

Organisations to benefit in Wyre Forest in recent years include Age Concern, Home-Start, Dial-a-Ride, Kidz First and Kemp Hospice .

The foundation supports charities with educational projects, those which help to improve neighbourhoods, youth groups, those which offer assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, or help with environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

Typically the grants are between £5,000 and £10,000, although more modest applications are welcome.

The trustees who decide on the successful applications will be looking for projects that demonstrate good planning, oversight and financial responsibility.

Groups that have been successful will be notified at the beginning of December.