Cash is up for grabs as community groups and organisations are being given the chance to apply for a Gannett Foundation grant of up to £50,000.

The foundation is the charitable arm of this newspaper's American parent company, Gannett Co. Inc, which publishes more than 300 newspapers nationwide, and it is now looking to support worthy causes.

The foundation gives priority to long-term projects which will give lasting benefit to a large number of people in the local community.

Projects that will be favoured include those for people with special needs, either through disability or disadvantage, and sport, environment, conservation and local history projects.

Previous recipients of Gannett grants include the Epsom Riding for the Disabled Association, which was awarded £10,000 this year to buy special equipment to help wheelchair users and other disabled riders to mount their horses.

The association, celebrating its 40th birthday this year, was one of the many organisations throughout the UK to benefit from almost £300,000 given away in grants by the Foundation.

Epsom RDA, based at St Ebba’s farm in Hook Road, is to spend the grant on a hydraulic mounting ramp, which will make life much easier for riders and volunteers. It can be used not just at the indoor riding school, but outside, and can be taken to other venues when riders are taking part in competitions.

Grants are not given to individuals, organisations that are not registered charities, uniformed youth groups, promotion of religious causes, endowment funds, multi-year campaigns, medical or research organisations or animal charities.

Grants should be for specified items or purposes, with detailed costings, up to a maximum of £50,000.

For full details on eligibility and how to apply, and to download an application form, click on epsomguardian.co.uk.

Applications must be submitted on the official form, and sent to Liz Waters at Unecol House, 819 London Road, North Cheam, SM3 9BN, or email lwaters@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 020 8329 9252.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, October 27, 2009.

Click here to apply.