SCOTTISH charities could find they are in the money by applying for cash support from a UK-wide fund.

Last year, the Gannett Foundation gave away £20,400 in the west of Scotland, helping fund the expansion of a pioneering cycling project and a caravan holiday scheme for disadvantaged families.

The Glasgow Children's Holiday Scheme, was able to upgrade its oldest static caravan at Wemyss Bay with a £10,000 grant, while Free Wheel North, which also received £10,000, is expanding the work of its Glasgow Green cycling centre into the central belt.

Meanwhile, Milton of Campsie Senior Citizens' Association received £400, which members put towards a new bingo machine and new teapots.

Gannett Co Inc., which is the parent company of Evening Times owners Newsquest Media Group, provides backing for registered charities in any areas where its newspapers are sold.

It supports charities with projects which take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, local problem-solving, assistance to the disadvantaged or disabled, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

The Foundation values projects that bring lasting benefits to local communities.

While preference may be given to ideas which create a durable legacy for the community, judges will consider single events or projects of limited duration that otherwise meet the criteria.

Typically grants are made for substantial projects which require and merit awards of between £5000 and £10,000, although applications can be for any size of grant and level of ambition.

The Foundation will join with other contributors to support elements of larger projects, but prefers to be in a position of making a donation which will fund a project in its entirely or which constitutes the final instalment to complete a project.

Decisions in respect of the value of the funding will be made by the trustees and based on the evidence submitted.