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CSX Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$13.8M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
1mo

CSX Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • EIN: 26-2248439
  • Annual Giving: $13,831,986 (2024)
  • Foundation Assets: $8,454,024 (2024)
  • Decision Time: 30-45 days
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $25,000
  • Geographic Focus: 26-state CSX rail network (Eastern U.S. and parts of Canada)
  • Application: Rolling basis, year-round

Contact Details

Address: 500 Water Street, 15th Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: 904-359-3200
Website: www.csx.com/community-investment/charitable-investments

Note: The foundation does not accept telephone or mail solicitations for grant applications. All applications must be submitted through the online portal.

Overview

CSX Foundation Inc was established in 2008 as the charitable arm of CSX Corporation, one of the nation's leading freight railroads. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, the foundation distributed $13,831,986 in grants during 2024, with assets totaling $8.5 million. The foundation's mission centers on supporting communities where CSX employees live and work across their 26-state rail network.

In 2018, CSX launched its signature "Pride in Service" community investment program, marking a strategic shift toward focused support for veterans, active military, first responders, and their families. This initiative reflects CSX's own workforce composition, which includes more than 3,700 veterans, active-duty military members, and first responders. The foundation partners with leading national nonprofits including Blue Star Families, First Responders Children's Foundation, Operation Gratitude, Operation Homefront, and Wounded Warrior Project to maximize impact. CSX has received recognition for this program, including a 2020 Silver Anthem Award for its Pride in Service community initiative.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Pride in Service Grants: $2,500 - $25,000
These grants support organizations that honor and serve veterans, active military, first responders, and their families. Applications are accepted year-round through the online portal. Focus areas include:

  • Safety programs
  • Mental health services
  • Community bridging initiatives
  • Workforce development and transition support
  • Financial assistance and food insecurity programs

Community Service Grants: $1,000 - $5,000
These grants assist organizations that make a strong, quantifiable impact on their greater communities. The online application is open 12 months a year, with responses provided within 30-45 days.

In-Kind Donations
CSX provides transportation services, equipment, and materials to eligible nonprofits focused on supporting military members and first responders, helping reduce transportation costs.

Employee Engagement Programs:

  • Matching Gifts: Dollar-for-dollar matching up to $1,000 per employee annually
  • Dollars for Doers: $10 per hour donated after 15 hours of volunteer service
  • Board Service Grants: Available for directors and above serving on 501(c)(3) boards

Priority Areas

The foundation supports organizations involved with:

  • Veterans and military family services
  • First responder support programs
  • Education (pre-K through higher education)
  • Youth development
  • Health and human services
  • Performing arts
  • Patient services (including cancer and multiple sclerosis support)
  • Voluntarism and community service

What They Don't Fund

  • Telephone or mail solicitations (U.S. mail and email)
  • Organizations outside CSX's 26-state service area
  • Organizations that do not meet eligibility requirements

Governance and Leadership

The CSX Foundation operates under the oversight of CSX Corporation's executive leadership. Michael Burns, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary (appointed January 2025), oversees community investments as part of his portfolio. Burns has been with CSX since 2006 and serves as the executive sponsor of the CSX ABLE Business Resource Group.

The foundation is classified as a Private Independent Foundation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Online Application Portal: Applications for both Community Service Grants and Pride in Service Grants are submitted through the online portal at www.csx.com/community-investment/charitable-investments. The application is open 12 months a year on a rolling basis.

Eligibility Requirements: Organizations must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • State, county, or municipal government entity (including law enforcement and fire rescue departments) serving community needs
  • Pre-K–12 school, charter school, community/junior college, or college/university

Geographic Requirement: Organizations must operate within CSX's service network, which includes 26 states: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

Decision Timeline

Every effort is made to respond to applications within 30-45 days of submission.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly specified. Applicants should contact the foundation through the online portal for guidance on resubmission.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrated Community Impact

CSX Community Service Grants specifically seek organizations that make a "strong, quantifiable impact" on their greater communities. Applications should include measurable outcomes and clear metrics demonstrating community benefit.

Alignment with Pride in Service Mission

For organizations serving veterans, military, or first responders, emphasize how your program:

  • Bridges community divides between service members and civilians
  • Supports workforce development and transition to civilian employment
  • Provides critical financial assistance during challenging transitions
  • Addresses specific needs in safety, mental health, or food insecurity

Connection to CSX Communities

Organizations serving communities where CSX has operations and employees should highlight this connection. The foundation prioritizes supporting areas where their workforce lives and works.

Partnership Model

The foundation values collaboration with established national organizations. Consider how your organization might complement or partner with existing Pride in Service partners (Blue Star Families, First Responders Children's Foundation, Operation Gratitude, Operation Homefront, Wounded Warrior Project).

Focus on Specific Populations

Given the 2018 strategic shift toward Pride in Service, applications supporting veterans, active military, first responders, and their families appear to have strong alignment with current foundation priorities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Year-Round Access: With rolling applications accepted 12 months a year and relatively quick response times (30-45 days), organizations can apply when timing best suits their needs rather than working around deadline cycles.

  • Clear Priority on Service Community: Since 2018, CSX has made a strategic commitment to veterans, military, and first responders through Pride in Service—this is the foundation's signature initiative and represents a clear funding priority.

  • Geographic Alignment is Essential: Your organization must operate within CSX's 26-state rail network; this is a firm eligibility requirement.

  • Quantifiable Impact Matters: The foundation specifically mentions seeking "strong, quantifiable impact"—include concrete metrics and measurable outcomes in your application.

  • Multiple Entry Points: Beyond traditional grants, consider the In-Kind Donations program if transportation services could benefit your organization, particularly if you serve military or first responder populations.

  • Employee Connection Helps: CSX values supporting communities where their 3,700+ veteran, military, and first responder employees live and work—mention any connections to CSX employees or communities if relevant.

  • Partnership-Oriented: The foundation works with major national nonprofits; consider how your local organization might complement these larger partnerships or serve as a local implementation partner.

References

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