THE Gannett Foundation has thrown scores of Wiltshire charities lifelines and it wants to help more worthy causes. Last year the foundation, which is the charitable arm of the Gazette and Herald's parent company, donated more than £10,000 to local charities.

The organisation is now appealing for charities to apply for funding this year. Priority will be given to youth projects and groups which help people who are disabled or disadvantaged.

Last year homeless people, bereaved children and youngsters with special needs were supported by The Gannett Foundation.

The Salvation Army's Davis House, in Turl Street, Swindon, which has 120 residents, received £3,350.

All residents have access to a basic skills centre, which helps them learn English, maths, art and computing. The money was used to expand the basic skills room and link all the computers so residents can now work together.

Senior project worker Alan Baldwin said: "The money helped us tremendously and enabled us to improve our learning facilities. We are so grateful for the support."

The Study Centre, based at Swindon Town Football Club's County Ground, received £1,800.

The centre encourages children aged eight to 14 to enjoy learning through the enjoyment of football after the school day.

Thanks to the donation, children are benefiting from a scheme called Playing For Success, which helps youngsters exercise their literacy, numeracy and computer skills through the medium of football.

The Rainbow Club, which supports five to 16-year-olds who have lost a parent or sibling, was thrilled to receive £2,500. The money has ensured the group's survival for the next three years and means it can continue meeting in The Riverside Centre, Queens Drive, Swindon, during school holidays.

Children with special needs have been going to The Koalas Opportunity Group, based in the Victoria Hospital, Okus Road, for the past 16 years. It costs £46,500 a year to run the service, which stimulates youngsters with stories, artwork and games.

So £3,000 from the Gannett Foundation Fund came in handy. It is being used to assist users of the service who have transport difficulties.

To be eligible for funding, organisations must be local registered charities. Uniformed youth groups, animal charities, medical or research organisations and individuals cannot apply. Charities which have received money in the last year cannot apply.

Grants will range between £1,000 and £5,000, but larger grants may be made for exceptional projects.

Application forms are available from the Gazette on (01380) 723501. They can also be downloaded from our website on www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk.

Completed applications should be sent to: The Gannett Foundation Fund, c/o Jacqui Taylor, Gazette and Herald, 14 Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HT. All applications must be received by March 19.