Funding Priorities

• Gannett Foundation community grants are given in support of different types of activities, including education, neighborhood improvement, youth activities and development, community problem solving, cultural activities and environmental initiatives. According to Gannett, in 2010 more than 60 percent of its grants were awarded to grassroots organizations working in community or youth services or education. Funding for journalism education and promotion of the First Amendment is another key area for Gannett grants. The total amount awarded varies each year. In 2010, Gannett awarded $6.7 million in community grants. Average grants range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  
  

Qualifications

• In order to apply for a Gannett community grant, your organization must be registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3). Individuals and private foundations may not apply. Your organization must also be located in, and serve, an area in which Gannett operates. Organizations in the UK may apply for Gannett grants no matter where in the UK they are located. Applications are considered twice a year for U.S. grants, and once a year for UK grants. You must submit your completed application by either February 16 or August 17 in the United States. The UK deadline is in the autumn, and is publicized in the media.
  
  

Excluded Organizations

• Gannett grants focus on the needs of local communities, and will not be awarded to national or regional organizations unless they are for a specific local community. The grants may not be used to promote religion, for endowment funds or for organizations that benefit countries other than the United States and the UK. Schools may apply for Gannett community grants, but only to fund special projects that are not covered by the school budget. Other groups that do not qualify for Gannett grants include medical research organizations, fraternal groups and athletics teams.
  
  

Grant Proposal

• Your application for a Gannett grant needs to include a completed application form, which can be downloaded from the Gannett Foundation website. You must also include a copy of the IRS letter granting your organization 501(3)(c) tax-exempt status, a project budget and an organizational budget. Required as well is a five-page project proposal that states your projects' objectives; who will be served by the project; who will be involved in carrying out the project; why your organization is qualified to conduct the project; any plans for continued funding; other funding applied for; and how the project will be evaluated. All applications should be delivered to the Gannett office in your area.