Transform Your Community with the Transpennine Route Upgrade Community Fund

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is not just about improving rail infrastructure; it’s about revitalizing the communities along its 70-mile stretch between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York. Through the TRU Community Fund, local organizations now have a unique opportunity to secure funding that can help transform public spaces, enhance services, and foster community engagement.

Managed by GMCVO, the TRU Community Fund is offering a total of £175,000 in grants, split between small and medium grants. These funds are aimed at community projects within five miles of the TRU’s core route and its key diversionary paths.

Funding Opportunities

• Small Grants: Ranging from £1,000 to £5,000, with £87,500 available in total. Applications are open now and close on Monday, 16th September. These grants are expected to fund 17-22 projects, with work starting in late 2024 and completing by January 2027.
• Medium Grants: Ranging from £5,000 to £20,000, with £87,500 available in total. Applications open on Monday, 19th August, and close on Monday, 30th September. We anticipate funding 4-6 projects, with similar project timelines.

These grants can be used to cover a variety of costs, including staff time, equipment, room hire, and materials, provided they directly contribute to the project’s goals. Design and construction costs are eligible, but operational labor costs are excluded.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, your organization must:

1. Be a not-for-profit entity within the VCFSE sector or the education sector.
2. Operate in an area within the 50% most deprived regions in England.
3. Be located within five miles of the TRU core or formal Diversionary Route.
4. Align with at least one of TRU’s sustainability and social value pillars: Northern jobs, Enhancing the environment, Satisfied customers, or Working with our communities.

Projects that focus on enhancing public spaces, improving access to green areas, engaging with underrepresented communities, and offering volunteer opportunities for the TRU team will be given priority.

How to Apply

For small grants, applications are open until 12 noon (midday) on Monday, 16th September. The application process consists of two stages:

1. Complete the Enquiry Form to confirm eligibility.
2. If eligible, you will be invited to submit a full online application with supporting documents.

For medium grants, applications open on Monday, 19th August. You can express your interest now to be notified when applications open.

Get Informed

To learn more, join our next online information session on Thursday, 15th August, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and better understand the application process. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a lasting impact on your community!

The TRU Community Fund is your chance to make a difference—apply today and help shape the future of your local area! More info here.