ARE you in a group needing money to improve a particular project? Do you know a youth group requiring a bit of help? Or perhaps there is a group helping the homeless that could do with new equipment.

Whatever the help required, community organisations can apply for a Gannett Foundation grant to help pay for equipment needed or running costs.

The Gannett Foundation is part of Gannett -- owner of Newsquest Media Group which includes the Bolton Evening News -- and it has given millions of pounds to charitable causes over the past two years.

They include Bolton Lads and Girls Club, which received £2,000 in 2001 and Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme, on Blackburn Road, which received a £2,000 grant last year.

The Foundation has provided funding to support local organisations across Britain, concentrating on those which take a creative approach to issues such as education, neighbourhood improvement and youth development.

However, grants will not be given to the following groups: individuals; organisations that are not registered charities; national or regional organisations unless the project addresses specific local community needs; promotion of religious causes; endowment funds; general appeals or multi-year campaigns; medical or research organisations; and animal charities.

Applications must be submitted on the official application form which can be obtained by writing to the Gannett Foundation Grant (Editor's Secretary), Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE. The closing date for applications is March 1 and you will hear the result of your application by the end of April.