THOUSANDS of pounds are being offered to support projects by groups in the Trafford area.

The owners of the Messenger have set up a fund that offers grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 to projects run by registered charities.

And bigger donations may be given from the Gannett Foundation for exceptionally worthwhile schemes.

The foundation supports projects that take a creative approach to improving neighbourhoods and education, economic development and youth development.

It also backs schemes that support youth development, solve community problems, assist disadvantaged people, conserve the environment or offer cultural enrichment.

Grants are not given to individuals, promoting religious causes, endowment funds, medical or research organisations or animal charities. The foundation will only give financial support to national or regional appeals if they address a specific need in a local community.

If your group wants a grant from the Gannett Foundation, applying could not be simpler.

Just pick up an application form from offices of the Messenger, complete it and return to the same office.

But organisations need to move quickly - all applications must be received by Friday September 13.

The Messenger will publicise any projects that are passed on to the Gannett Foundation judges to consider. Applicants will be expected to cooperate with publicity of their bids.