Good causes can apply for a new wave of grants being given by the charitable arm of our parent company – Gannett.

In the past, donations from the company have seen community groups and charities from across Oxfordshire reap the benefits.

Every six months the Gannett Foundation hands out about £250,000 to official charities in the UK, and now it is looking for new worthy causes.

In December, Oxfordshire Crossroads received £25,300 from the Gannett Foundation and decided to put some of it towards a new specially adapted van.

The East Oxford charity, which is based in Hurst Street, helps provide care for people with physical disabilities or learning difficulties and their carers.

Chairman Mary Rainford said the new van had now arrived.

She added: “It’s making life so much easier for us, everyone loves it.

“We keep coming out and giving it a hug!”

Gannett says applications which take a creative approach to community issues and benefit a large number of people will be the most successful. Schemes should have a lasting effect, or help people with special needs, or involve sport, the environment, conservation and local history.

Editor Derek Holmes said: “These are tough economic times and funding for the charity sector is being cut back dramatically.

“I am delighted that Gannett’s support has continued throughout the downturn. Of course, I’d like the whole pot to come to Oxfordshire, but these are national grants and local charities face stiff competition from others around the country.

“I would urge all those who are eligible to apply, making sure they follow the criteria carefully to ensure the best chance of success.”

Last May, more than £20,000 was dished out to three Oxfordshire charities.

Mental health organisation Restore was given £15,000 towards a new minibus in Didcot.

The Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, at Milton Park, picked up £2,632 to install an automatic door, and Age UK, formerly Age Concern Oxfordshire, was awarded £3,800 to create new rooms for older people to talk to staff in confidence at its centre in White Lion Walk, Banbury.

To apply for a grant, download a form from this website by clicking the link below or write to us at Gannett Foundation Applications, Osney Mead, Oxford, OX2 0EJ, to request an application pack. All applications must be submitted by September 10, 2010.

All donations are strictly at the discretion of the fund, but applicants should note that the fund will not consider unregistered charities