Deadline: 1-Oct-24
The Norfolk Southern is inviting applications for the Thriving Communities Grant Program to promote economic development, support vibrant community life, and provide equal access to basic necessities.
All grant recipients must be located within the Norfolk Southern territory. Grants are awarded for specific projects and programs only, not for general operating support.
Focus Areas
- Safety
- At Norfolk Southern, everything starts with safety. They are committed to supporting the first responders and organizations that work tirelessly to prevent and prepare for emergencies and ensure that community members get home safely each day.
- How they invest:
- Education and Awareness: Programs that prevent accidents and encourage safe behavior
- Response Readiness: Programs and equipment that enable first responders to effectively respond to events and emergencies
- Mitigation of Criminal Activities: Programs that address the core issues that lead to criminal activities, as well as provide effective response mechanisms
- Disaster Relief: Programs and organizations that respond to natural disasters and other community emergencies
- Sustainability
- As the most sustainable way to ship freight, Norfolk Southern understands the importance of protecting the planet. They partner with local communities to improve environmental conditions, revitalize industrial areas, and preserve precious eco systems in the communities they serve.
- How they invest:
- Education and Awareness: Programs and initiatives that assist communities in cultivating environmental respect, stewardship, and leadership
- Preservation and Conservation: Programs that improve environmental conditions through the responsible use of natural resources and the protection of natural ecosystems
- Revitalization of Industrial Areas: Programs that work to restore environments to the natural state through beautification (i.e., planting trees and greenery, adding green spaces)
- Protect and Enhance Water and/or Air Quality: Programs that focus on clean air and water and emission reduction programs
- Workforce Development
- They are dedicated to increasing inclusive opportunity in the communities through partnerships that enable equal access to meaningful careers and drive economic opportunity.
- How they invest:
- Job Skill Development: Programs that support professional, financial, and technical skill development
- Pathways to Employment: Programs that connect people to entry level job opportunities that will advance into strong careers
- Career Readiness: Programs and initiatives designed to guide young adults in career decisions through mentorships, opportunities to explore career tracks, practical work experiences, skill development, and network expansion
- College Readiness: Programs and initiatives aimed at minimizing academic gaps in young adults and providing them with the insights needed to make knowledgeable decisions about post-secondary education
- Thriving Communities
- They endeavor to help the communities they serve thrive. They partner with nonprofits that drive economic development, support vibrant community life, and provide equal access to basic necessities – building a strong and resilient foundation for long-term prosperity.
- How they invest:
- Basic Life Necessities: Programs that work to prevent or support those in financial need and provide long-term recovery assistance
- Well-Being Support: Programs that support those with mental health and substance abuse concerns, as well as those suffering from domestic abuse
- Preservation of Local Culture: Programs that strengthen identity and preserve historical elements in a community
- Enhance Community Spaces: Programs that beautify neighborhoods and improve shared spaces – increasing livability, promoting commerce, and attracting more residents/businesses to an area
Funding Information
- The Thriving Communities Grant ranges from $1,000 to $50,0000.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible, an organization must meet the below criteria:
- Qualifies as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization based off one of the following charitable criteria:
- A public 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as listed in the IRS Master File
- A state, county or municipal government entity and seeks funding to serve the needs of the community at large.
- A public or charter school
- Located within 30 minutes of NS network (Note: Organizations closest to the network will receive priority during review).
- Aligns with Norfolk Southern’s Corporate Giving focus areas (Note: Projects that align with the safety focus area should be applied for under the Safety First Grant)
- Qualifies as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization based off one of the following charitable criteria:
- Applications must include the following:
- A valid Federal W9 Form (rev. March 2024)
- A valid 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS or letter demonstrating tax exemption status as a state, county, or municipal government entity
- A valid contact email address & phone number for questions regarding grant
- If applying as a 501(c)(3):
- Short overview of the organization (major achievements, recent accomplishments, impact, and major donors)
- Board of Directors listing
- Latest IRS 990 filings
- Budget for program or proposed project o Full year operating budget
Ineligible
- Applications will not be accepted from:
- Organizations not in the NS territory
- Organizations requesting general operating support (i.e., funding requests for salaries, overhead, rent or utility expenses)
- Organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) public charity status or are not tax-exempt as a government entity
- Organizations that have a written policy or a history of discrimination against individuals because of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status
- Individuals or organizations established to help individuals
For more information, visit Norfolk Southern.