TIME is running out for charities in Oxfordshire that still want to apply for a grant of up to £10,000 to go towards a vital project.

Robin Aitkin, who co-founded the Oxford Food Bank which got a grant in 2012, is encouraging all charitable organisations to apply if they think they have a good case to make.

Every year the Gannett Foundation, the charitable arm of the Oxford Mail’s parent company, gives away about £20,000 to a good causes in Oxfordshire.

But the deadline for applications is Friday, October 16.

Mr Aitkin, who set up the Oxford Food Bank in 2009 with business partner David Cairns, said the £10,000 they received in 2012 was immensely beneficial.

He said: “I saw a piece in the paper about the Gannett Grant scheme and I applied.

“We handle fresh food, which needs to be refrigerated, but at the time we had these grotty old fridges we had got from here there and everywhere. They were just not satisfactory.

“So we asked for one of those big walk-in commercial chillers which costs about £8,000.”

Mr Aitkin said he did not expect to hear anything back, and was absolutely thrilled when he realised he had been successful.

He added: “It was just fantastic. We suddenly had this posh state-of-the-art fridge, it made such a huge practical difference.

“It was also very nice to be recognised – that we are doing something worthwhile which someone else sees to be of certain value. It was an enormous morale booster and we are deeply grateful.”

Mr Aitkin added that the food bank was thinking of applying again next year as a new vehicle is needed to transport food.

Charities could be in with a chance of receiving a grant of £5,000, £10,000, or more.

Oxford Mail editor Simon O’Neill said: “We are delighted to hear from registered charities with projects that take a creative approach to fundamental issues such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, local problem solving, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.

“The grants focus on projects that bring lasting benefits to the communities that we serve.”