Highway and train tracks next to Ohio River Megasite, a potential spot for industrial development

GRANT GUIDELINES & ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Norfolk Southern is committed to helping the communities where we operate thrive. To be eligible to apply for a grant through our open application process, organizations must meet the criteria outlined in our program guidelines, located at the bottom of this page.

HOW TO APPLY

  • Review each grant program’s guidelines and eligibility requirements listed in our Grant Program documents at the bottom of this page.
  • Review Community Impact’s focus areas to ensure your grant request aligns with how we invest.
  • Visit Grant Programs and select ‘Apply Now’ within the section of the grant type. Complete the eligibility quiz through that link to be directed to the application.

For assistance creating an account, please review the following documents:

NS Grants Map

SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICATIONS WILL MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

  • Alignment with one or more of Norfolk Southern’s focus areas as outlined in each grant’s program guidelines document
  • Commitment to inclusion and community engagement
  • Organization operates in Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network
  • Project or program is located within 30 minutes of NS main line
  • Qualify as a tax-exempt nonprofit as either a public 501(c)(3), government entity, or public/charter school
  • Include all required tax documentation
  • Federal W9 form must be completed correctly and to its entirety. Learn how to complete form W-9 HERE

APPLICATION SUGGESTIONS:

  • Apply early, allowing time for account creation and gathering required documents
    • Applications will reopen April 1, 2025
    • Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on September 1, 2025 to be accepted
  • Carefully review Norfolk Southern’s philanthropic focus areas and how we invest
  • Include all necessary documentation
  • Ensure the Federal W9 form is completed correctly and to its entirety. Learn how to complete form W-9 HERE
  • Make sure application is complete before submitting. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed
  • Do not submit a lot of extra information unless pertinent to the request as it will not be reviewed
  • Save password when signing into online grant system
  • Review our FAQ document HERE