Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

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.
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.
Last year, Norfolk Southern contributed nearly $9.5 million dollars to charitable organizations across our network.
The Safety-First Grant Program is designed to promote overall community safety across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network. This program is intended to support organizations that directly provide safety services or operate programs that promote safe behavior.
Norfolk Southern values its relationship with first responders and established the Safety- First program, in part, to recognize and support such groups.
The Safety First Grant is awarded for specific project, programmatic support, or general operating support.
The Safety First Grant typically ranges from $1,000 to $15,000.
Our Focus Areas
SafetySustainabilityWorkforce DevelopmentThriving Communities

Eligibility

To be eligible, an organization must meet the below criteria:Qualifies as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization based off one of the following charitable criteria:A public 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as listed in the IRS Master FileA state, county or municipal government entity and seeks funding to serve the needs of the community at large.Aligns with Norfolk Southern’s Corporate Giving focus areasTo be eligible to apply for a grant through our open application process, organizations must be located in one of Norfolk Southern’s 22 states.Organizations are eligible to receive one grant per fiscal year.

Ineligibility

Applications will not be accepted from:Organizations not in the NS territoryOrganizations requesting general operating support(i.e., funding requests for salaries, overhead, rent or utility expenses)Organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) public charity status or are not tax exempt as a government entityOrganizations that have a written policy or a history of discrimination against individuals because of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran statusIndividuals or organizations established to help individualsReligious affiliated organizationsFraternal organizationsPolitical or lobbying organizationsFundraising events, telethons, races, or benefitsAmateur, civic, or professional sports or athletic organizations, clubs, or activitiesOrganizations whose programs have an international and/or national scopeCivic leagues or Chambers of CommerceReferral or consulting agencies and organizations