Last Updated on December 18, 2024 at 9:44am
In 2024, Norfolk Southern distributed over $300,000 to organizations throughout Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania as part of its Safety First and Thriving Communities grant programs.
The grant programs support local organizations dedicated to fostering safe, sustainable operations, workforce development, and resilient communities across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network. The Safety First grant advances community safety by funding organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behaviors within a community. The Thriving Communities grant supports sustainability initiatives, workforce development, and community resilience efforts, reinforcing Norfolk Southern’s commitment to empowering the communities it serves.
Through these grants, Norfolk Southern supported the following initiatives in the East Palestine area:
Safety First
- Replaced outdated and damaged personal protective equipment for local fire departments.
- Helped a local fire department purchase a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) to respond to a greater variety of emergencies.
Thriving Communities
- Assisted a local municipal authority purchase of a generator to enhance a municipal building’s ability to serve the community as an emergency shelter.
- Supported a mobile program providing children with basic necessities, mental health support, and positive role models.
- Invested in a program offering media literacy and entrepreneurship training for youth, promoting positive skills and creative expression.
The grant application process for 2025 will open in April and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To learn more about Norfolk Southern’s corporate giving initiatives or apply for a grant, visit here.