Transpennine Route Upgrade Community Fund now open for applications

Community groups, schools and charities located within five kilometres of the Transpennine route, between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, can now submit applications for projects that make a lasting difference in their areas. Organisations within five kilometres of the Shipley Traincare Centre, being delivered by TRU, are also eligible to apply. 

TRU is transforming the railway in the north and the fund forms part of the programme’s commitment to supporting the communities it operates in, helping deliver projects that improve local spaces, create opportunities to develop skills and access employment, and support areas facing socio-economic challenges. 

This year, £270,000 is available through grants of £5,000, with organisations also able to apply for an uplift to £10,000 where additional funding would significantly increase the impact of their schemes. 

Applications can be submitted on the TRU Community Fund 2026 campaign page, where organisations can access the application form, eligibility criteria and supporting guidance.  

If they haven’t done so already, applicants will first need to create an account with Neighbourly, who are administering the funding on behalf of TRU. This is free and takes approximately 5 minutes on Neighbourly’s website. 

Since its launch, the TRU Community Fund has transformed communities across the North, awarding more than £400,000 to over 60 community groups, schools and charities across the route, supporting dozens of projects that have improved local facilities, creating opportunities for young people and delivering activities that bring people together. 

The 2025 TRU Community Fund is already delivering meaningful benefits for communities across the route. Funding has enabled local organisations to improve facilities, provide new opportunities for residents and create spaces that bring people together. Recent visits to projects including the Booth Centre in Manchester and Make Space York highlighted the positive impact of this investment, showcasing how Community Fund support is helping organisations enhance the services and facilities they provide to local people. 

Anna Humphries, Head of Sustainability and Social Value for TRU, said: 

“We’re delighted to open applications for the third year of the TRU Community Fund and continue supporting the organisations that make a real difference in the communities we serve. 

“Over the last two years, we’ve seen funding help create inclusive learning environments, develop skills and employment opportunities, improve local spaces and bring people together. The quality and variety of projects has been inspiring. 

“The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a long-term investment in the North, and we’re committed to ensuring local communities benefit from that investment while the programme is being delivered, not just when the railway is complete. We encourage eligible organisations to apply and look forward to supporting more projects that deliver lasting positive outcomes for local people.” 

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly said: 

“Neighbourly exists to connect businesses with the causes that matter most in their communities, and partnerships like this one with TRU show what’s possible when that support is sustained over time. We’ve seen firsthand the difference this fund makes to the groups we work with, and we’re proud to keep making it as easy as possible for organisations along the route to access funding that makes a genuine difference on the ground.”