Norfolk Southern is committed to helping the communities where we operate thrive.

Focus area:

Safety First

The Safety First Grant Program is designed to promote overall safety in the communities across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network. This program is intended to support organizations that directly provide safety services or operate programs that promote safe behavior. Grants are awarded for specific projects and programs only, not for general operating support.

How we 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

We partner with local communities to improve environmental conditions, revitalize industrial areas, and preserve precious ecosystems in the communities we serve.

How we 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

How we 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

The Thriving Communities Grant Program is designed to promote economic development, support vibrant community life, and provide equal access to basic necessities. All grant recipients must be located within Norfolk Southern territory. Grants are awarded for specific projects and programs only, not for general operating support.

How we 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

Grant request amounts should align with the specific project needs of the organization. Generally, the Thriving Communities grant ranges from $1,000 to $50,0000, and the Safety First Grant ranges from $1,000 to $15,000.

For Community Disaster Relief grants, applications are available periodically at the discretion of the NS Community Impact team following severe weather events impacting communities within our network. The application period typically remains open for 3-6 weeks, but will vary depending on ongoing recovery efforts and the nature of the disaster.

For In-Kind Donation grants, applications are open on an ongoing basis.