COMMUNITY IMPACT

In 2024, Norfolk Southern gave $18.4 million to charities and other nonprofit organizations. Our community impact focuses on safety, sustainability, workforce development, and thriving communities.

Great Things Happen When We Pull Together

As a major driver of business and economic growth in towns and cities across the eastern United States, Norfolk Southern takes seriously the role we play in helping communities thrive.

We know our impact is greatest when we are authentic to the values and priorities of our company. That’s why we are focused on building relationships and making investments that promote safe and sustainable operations, develop the local workforce, and build strong, thriving communities.

As we pursue these efforts, our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is inextricably woven into all aspects of our business, is reflected in the types of programs and organizations we prioritize and support. And because inclusion starts with our people, we empower every NS employee to engage with their own local community in ways that are meaningful to them.

Last year, Norfolk Southern contributed nearly $18.4 million dollars to charitable organizations across our 22-state network.

NEW!

Grants on Track: Celebrating Community Impact

Discover the inspiring stories of our past grant recipients through our new “Grants on Track” series. Each month, we highlight past recipients from our Safety First and Thriving Communities Grant Programs and the incredible work and positive change that they’ve brought to our communities. Whether it's workforce development initiatives, safety equipment upgrades, enhancement of community spaces, or environmental projects, see how our grants are making a difference. Click below to learn more about this month’s featured organization.

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Our Focus Areas

SAFETY

SUSTAINABILITY

WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT

THRIVING
COMMUNITIES

View Our Focus Areas

2024 HIGHLIGHTS

Continuing a commitment made in 2021, $1 million was awarded to 65 Hampton Roads, Virginia nonprofits, furthering the goal of providing $5 million to the community over five years.

In 2024, we continued the two grant programs launched in 2023, focusing on communities and safety. Last year alone, over $6 million was awarded, building on nearly $5 million in grants distributed during the program’s inaugural year.

During National Hunger Action Month this September, Norfolk Southern committed $856K in grants to 32 organizations across 16 states to combat food insecurity through our various grant programs. Employees also volunteered at food banks in Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Indiana, collectively assisting nearly 1,000 families.

In December, Norfolk Southern partnered with Amtrak, WebbRail, Pullman, Inc., and Dunkin’ to host the Toys for Tots holiday train, delivering cheer and essentials to New York’s Capital Region. Over 50 volunteers joined the effort, supported by a $100,000 donation and a companywide toy drive.

Norfolk Southern employees logged over 4,000 volunteerism hours in 2024.

As part of our Thoroughbred Scholars Program, over $500,000 was awarded in scholarship funds to promote educational opportunities to children of NS employees.

In celebration of Giving November, Norfolk Southern donated nearly $1 million to 51 nonprofits across 14 states to address housing insecurity. Volunteers also dedicated 450+ hours to initiatives like Habitat for Humanity, the Atlanta Midtown Assistance Center, and a Thanksgiving turkey distribution to help families in need.