Quick Summary
Name: Norfolk Southern Foundation Status: Active Grant Maker
Key Facts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Giving | $6.1 million (2024) |
| Grant Range | Up to $50,000 |
| Average Grant | $14,700 |
| Application Method | Fixed Deadline (Rolling annual cycle) |
Contact Details
Website: https://www.norfolksouthern.com/en/commitments/in-your-community/community-impact/grant-programs Address: 650 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308-1925
Geographic Focus
Norfolk Southern Foundation operates across the 22-state Norfolk Southern railroad network, including:
- Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and additional states across the Eastern and Midwestern United States
- Organizations must be located within 30 minutes of the NS railroad network
- Covers communities in 22 states and Washington, D.C.
Funding Priorities
Safety First Grant Program:
- Emergency response capabilities
- Community safety initiatives
- Public safety services and programs
Thriving Communities Grant Program:
- Sustainability initiatives
- Workforce development programs
- Community resiliency efforts
Community Disaster Relief Grant Program:
- Recovery efforts following severe weather events
General Focus Areas:
- Education (all levels)
- Environment and natural resources
- Human services for families with children
- Arts and culture
- Health and medical services
- Science and engineering
What They Don't Fund
- Organizations with discriminatory practices
- Individuals
- Organizations outside the NS 22-state service area (must be within 30 minutes of NS network)
- General operating support (except Safety First grants)
- Organizations that do not qualify as tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits or government entities
- Multiple grants per organization in same fiscal year
Application Method
Application Process:
- Online application through Norfolk Southern website
- Annual application cycle (2026 applications: open through August 3, 2025)
- Applications accepted from April through August/September
- Organizations eligible for one grant per fiscal year
- Grant awards for specific projects and programs
- Rolling review with awards announced after application period closes
Eligibility:
- Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or government entities (beginning 2026, Thriving Communities limited to 501(c)(3) only)
- Public or charter schools
- State, county, or municipal government entities
- Must be within 30 minutes of Norfolk Southern railroad network
- Projects must align with foundation focus areas
References
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