Deadline: 01-Sep-2025
The Norfolk Southern Thriving Communities Grant is designed to promote economic development, enhance community life, and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Grants are awarded specifically for well-defined projects and programs, not for general operating expenses.
Eligible applicants must be located within Norfolk Southern’s service territory. The program supports a range of focus areas that help communities grow stronger, safer, and more sustainable. Safety is a key priority, with funding directed toward programs that prevent accidents, promote safe behavior, equip first responders, and support disaster relief efforts. Projects addressing the root causes of crime and improving emergency response capabilities are also considered.
Norfolk Southern also invests in sustainability initiatives. These include environmental education, conservation efforts, beautification of industrial areas, and programs that protect air and water quality. Community partnerships are central to these efforts, aiming to preserve local ecosystems and promote environmental stewardship.
Workforce development is another core area of investment. Grants support job skill training, career readiness programs, and pathways to employment, especially for young adults. Initiatives that reduce academic gaps and help students prepare for post-secondary education are also eligible.
The company is committed to helping communities thrive through support for basic life needs, mental health and substance abuse programs, and domestic violence recovery services. They also fund efforts that preserve local culture and history, beautify shared spaces, and attract new residents and businesses to revitalized areas.
To apply, an organization must be a tax-exempt nonprofit under section 501(c)(3), a public or charter school, or a state, county, or municipal government entity. They must also be located within 30 minutes of Norfolk Southern’s network, with priority given to those closest.
The grant does not accept applications from individuals or organizations outside the NS service area, or from those seeking general operating support. Organizations with discriminatory practices, or those not meeting nonprofit or government eligibility requirements, are not eligible to apply.
For more information, visit Norfolk Southern.
