Norfolk Southern Foundation

What's new

*** NEW WEB-BASED GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS ***

	FAQ for application process
	Grant Guidelines			Grant Guidelines Brochure

*** Beginning JULY 15, 2013 grant proposals and applications will be accepted ONLY through our new web-based platform. RFF'S MAILED AND RECEIVED BY THE NSF OFFICE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED! ****

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 2012, charitable and other contributions totaled approximately $10.69 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 (food banks, homeless programs and independent 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. In addition to those ineligible organizations listed below, Norfolk Southern Foundation DOES NOT fund debt retirement, block grants, or projects in which we are asked to be the sole-funder.

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, military or veterans organizations
Political or lobbying organizations
Public or private elementary and secondary schools
PTA groups or any public or private school affiliated club, organization, event or activity
Fundraising events, telethons, races or benefits
Amateur, civic, or professional Sports or athletic organizations, clubs or activities
Community or private foundations, or other organizations that merely redistribute to other eligible organizations aggregated contributions
Disease-related or health-focused organizations
Non-teaching hospitals (projects must be educational in scope and community focused)
Mentoring programs
Boys and Girls Scout programs or similar organizations
Animal organizations
Non-US based charities & initiatives
Organizations whose programs have an international and/or national scope
Civic leagues
Referral or consulting agencies and organizations

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.

Electronic requests must include the following:

A valid email address
A valid 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) letter from the IRS - tax-exempt status will be electronically verified as part of the on-line application procedure
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)
Budget for proposed project (if applicable)
Comprehensive budget for requesting organization
A valid email address and contact phone number for person that can answer any questions with regard to RFF

Decisions will be made by December 31 for the following year's discretionary funding program. Notification will be made by email 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.

Please read Frequently Asked Questions, and Grant Guidelines for more details. Questions may be directed to the Executive Director via email at katie.fletcher@nscorp.com or via phone at 757-629-2881.

Contributions 2011 Annual Report

Matching Gift Program