Community Fund

Calling local community groups, schools and charities to help shape the future of our spaces and services along the Transpennine route! Whether it’s creating vibrant green areas, enhancing playgrounds, or improving accessibility, your proposals can make a real difference...

Billions of pounds are being invested to transform train travel across the Pennines, as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). While we work to deliver major railway upgrades across the 70-miles stretch between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, we’re committed to investing back into the fantastic communities we’re working in.

That’s why we’ve created the TRU Community Fund. We’re offering local community groups, schools and charities the opportunity to apply for funding to improve local spaces and services.

Community projects situated within 5 miles of the core TRU route and key diversionary routes will be considered eligible for the fund.

A total of £175,000 is available for this year in the form of small grants (£1,000 to £5,000) or medium grants (£5,000 to £20,000)

TRU Community Fund Map

Click here to view a larger version of the map showing the 5-mile boundary line around the route.

How to apply

The distribution of funding is being independently managed on behalf of TRU by GMCVO.

Application dates

  • Applications for small grants (£1,000 to £5,000) will open on Monday 5th August 
  • Applications for medium grants (£5,000 to £20,000) will open on Monday 19th August 
  • Applicants will have six weeks to apply from each opening date.

For any questions about the community fund, please contact grants@gmcvo.org.uk.  

TRU Sustainability Strategy

The funding criteria for the community fund is based on delivering against the four pillars that make up the TRU sustainability and social value strategy – ‘Our Guiding Compass’:

       
  Northern jobs: job opportunities, upskilling and work experience for local people  
  Enhancing environment: reducing carbon footprint, adopting circular economy principals and supporting sustainability  
  Satisfied customers: a safe, reliable and accessible railway for local people  
  Working with our customers: investing in wellbeing, education and community spaces  
       
“The TRU Community Fund is a fantastic opportunity for the organisations at the heart of our communities to leave a lasting impact on the people they serve. We’re delighted to be able to launch such a scheme, and encourage as many local schools, charities and community groups as possible to apply for the funding.”
ANNA HUMPHRIES, HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL VALUE FOR TRU