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 to get them back on their feet?

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 gave more than £6.5 million to charitable causes in 2001.

They included Bolton Lads and Girls Club, which received £2,000 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 Editor's Secretary, Gannett Grants, Bolton Evening News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE. More details are available on 01204 537345. The closing date for applications is October 14.