A SCOUT group in Oxford has applied to receive a life-changing grant from the charity arm of the Oxford Mail’s parent company to go towards a vital building project.

33rd (Kidlington) Oxford Scout Group urgently needs funds to replace its building’s ageing cesspit, which costs the group £300 each time it needs emptying – money which could be better spent elsewhere.

Chairwoman of the scouts Margaret Boggs has applied to receive a grant so the group can replace the cesspit with a more environmentally-friendly system, which could cost about £12,000.

She said: “It would mean everything to get a grant. Anything that can go towards it would be a big help.”

Every year the Gannett Foundation, the official charity of the Oxford Mail’s parent company Gannett, gives away a total of about £20,000 to a range of worthy causes in the county.

Applications for this year are now open and organisations with registered charity status are in with a chance of receiving a grant of £5,000, £10,000, or more towards their project.

Group administrator at the scouts Ron Shewry said: “Getting the grant would be so important because we are hoping to get it done but at the moment I’m not sure we have the money.

“We have a long list of items we need to sort out in the scout centre; new fences, new floor, new tables – they are all waiting. Over the past 15 years we have spent £20,000 on the building.

“It is a constant drive on and on. Any extra is a great help.”

The 33rd (Kidlington) Oxford Scout Group has about 150 young people and more than 25 adult leaders.

he beavers, cubs and scouts take part in activities such as climbing, kayaking, fundraising, photography, survival skills and more.

Past recipients of the grant include Oxford charity Yellow Submarine. In 2013, the organisation received £10,000 grant as part of the scheme, which they put towards opening a new cafe staffed by young people with learning disabilities.

And in 2009 Oxfordshire Crossroads, based in Harberton Mead in Headington, bought a new specially-adapted van with wheelchair access with their grant of £25,300 – the biggest grant ever handed out by the foundation.

The deadline for applications is Friday, October 16.

Oxford Mail editor Simon O’Neill said: “We are once again 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.

* Visit the Gannett Grant page at oxfordmail.co.uk to apply