A VOLUNTEER from an Oxford-based scrap store is urging other charitable organisations to apply for a grant from the Oxford Mail’s parent company.

Grants are handed out twice a year by the Gannett foundation, the charitable arm of Gannett Co Inc, the owners of Mail publishers Newsquest.

Projects are awarded grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 and groups across the county have until 5pm on Friday, October 21, to put in a bid.

Oxford Mail deputy editor Sara Taylor said: “We have had a terrific response from organisations so far.

“The deadline is now approaching but there is still time to make an application.”

Orinoco is a registered charity based at Bullingdon Community Centre in Headington that collects and reuses good-quality, commercial waste materials from businesses across Oxfordshire. The items can be used by schools and residents to save money and prevent waste.

As well as running a swap shop for art materials, the charity in Peat Moors also runs a paint recycling scheme taking donations of unwanted paint to pass on to those who need it.

Howie Watkins, committee member and former chief executive, urged organisations to take advantage of Gannett grants after Orinoco was given £2,360 in 2006 for shelving and crates.

He said: “It is a straightforward process and Gannett awards money to sensible schemes.

“We needed extra crates and shelves to make us more efficient and the Gannett Foundation was there for us at just the right time. I’m sure it would be again if we needed more funding.” Gannett encourages applications from imaginative and ambitious projects that require and merit awards of between £5,000 and £10,000.

Organisations applying must be registered charities and Gannett particularly values projects that will bring lasting benefit to the community. Projects will also be favoured that demonstrate good planning, oversight and financial responsibility.

Accounts must be submitted. National charities or groups that have received a Gannett grant in the last two years are not eligible. State or privately-run schools, hospitals, animal charities, political or religious causes and day-to-day running costs are also excluded.

The closing date for applications is October 21. Download an entry form at: oxfordmail.co.uk/news/ community/gannettfoundation/