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Norfolk Southern Foundation
What's new
General Information
Norfolk Southern Foundation was established in 1983 to direct and implement Norfolk Southern Corporation's charitable giving programs. Through strategic investment in educational, cultural, environmental and human service organizations within the region served by Norfolk Southern, the Foundation seeks to raise the standards of such programming, thereby enhancing the quality of life for Norfolk Southern employees and enhancing the "livability" of the communities it serves.
The Foundation's intent is to help ensure that:
- Our region's children are provided with first-class educational opportunities that make them productive and valued employees in the future;
- Our communities can provide basic human services (food, shelter and medical care) to those in need; and
- Our communities can offer their citizens access to cultural opportunities that make life more enjoyable; and
- Our communities can provide residential and work environments that are safe, attractive and desirable.
As a major employer in both large and small communities throughout the eastern United States, Norfolk Southern takes seriously its role as a corporate citizen and its responsibility to commit resources, both human and financial, to the improvement of those communities for the benefit of our employees and our neighbors. This commitment is acknowledged in Norfolk Southern's Corporate Creed .
In 2010, charitable and other contributions totaled almost $9 million.Grant Programs
Norfolk Southern Foundation offers grants in four principal areas:
- Educational programs, primarily at the post-secondary level;
- Community enrichment focusing on cultural and artistic organizations;
- Environmental programs; and
- Health and human services (primarily food banks, homeless programs and free clinics).
Grants are awarded only to eligible organizations located within Norfolk Southern Corporation territory that are described under either Section 170 (c)(1) or Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Grants may be awarded for specific projects, including capital projects or for general operating support.
Foundation contributions also are made to United Way agencies within Norfolk Southern's territory, but there is no application procedure for these; contributions are made based on the Norfolk Southern employee population in a given community.
Applications will not be accepted from:
- Organizations not in the NS territory (must be served by Norfolk Southern to be considered)
- Organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) IRS letter
- Individuals or organizations established to help individuals
- Religious, fraternal, social or veterans organizations
- Political or lobbying organizations
- Public or private elementary and secondary schools
- Fundraising events, telethons, races or benefits
- Sports or athletic organizations or activities
- Community or private foundations, or other organizations that merely redistribute to other eligible organizations aggregated contributions
- Disease-related organizations and hospitals
- Mentoring programs
- Boys and Girls Scout programs or similar organizations
- Animal organizations
- Non-US based charities
- Organizations whose programs have national scope
To Apply for a Grant
Under the Foundation's program of discretionary funding, grant requests are accepted only between July 15 and September 30 for funding in the following calendar year. There is no formal application.
Written requests must include the following:
- A valid 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) letter from the IRS
- A short request outlining objectives of organization, project and intended use of funds
- Board of Directors Listing
- Sources of Funding (current and potential)
- Last 3 Years of Financials (audited financials are preferred)
- A valid email address and contact phone number for person that can answer any questions with regard to package
Decisions will be made by December 31 for the following year's discretionary funding program. Notification will be made early in the following calendar year. The Vice President and Executive Officer and the Executive Director are responsible for the interpretation and administration of the Foundation's grant program, and their decision is final.
Mail one copy of the application to:
Norfolk Southern Foundation
Executive Director
P. O. Box 3040
Norfolk, VA 23514-3040
