Grant News

London North Eastern Railway has announced that applications are open for its Customer and Community Investment Fund, supporting projects that strengthen communities along the LNER route.

LNER is a high-speed Anglo-Scots rail operator serving communities across England and Scotland. The fund supports initiatives within 15 miles of its route that improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, build skills and access to resources, and support more connected and resilient communities.

Grants of £1,000 to £10,000 are available. Applications are welcomed from registered charities, community groups, CICs, co-operative societies, limited companies, community rail partnerships, business partnerships and schools for extracurricular projects.

LNER prefers to support small and medium-sized organisations with incomes between £10,000 and £1 million.

Funding must support one of three priorities:

• Better for People, including inclusion, learning, social mobility and mental health.
  • Better for Places, including skills, employability and education.
  • Better for Planet, including biodiversity, sustainable travel, waste reduction and circular economy projects.

Previously supported projects have included wellbeing activities for older people and carers, health walks in York, enterprise and financial education for young people, training for refugees and asylum seekers, bike recycling in Newcastle, activity-based support for young people in Berwick-upon-Tweed, and a literacy story trail in Bradford

Projects must be deliverable within one financial year. Staff costs are eligible up to 25% of the amount requested, but core costs and capital projects are not supported. Applications close at 23:59 on 31 August 2026. Shortlisting takes place from September to October, followed by community and customer voting in November and final approvals from December to March.