Communities along the Transpennine route are being invited to apply for a share of £270,000 through the 2026 Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) Community Fund.
The fund is open to community groups, schools and charities based within five kilometres of the railway between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. Organisations within five kilometres of TRU’s Shipley Traincare Centre are also eligible.
Grants of up to £10,000
Applicants can seek grants of £5,000, with the option of applying for up to £10,000 where additional funding would significantly increase the impact of a project.
Applications are being managed through Neighbourly. Organisations must create a free account before submitting an application through the TRU Community Fund 2026 campaign page, which includes the application form, eligibility criteria and supporting guidance.
Now in its third year, the fund has awarded more than £400,000 to more than 60 community groups, schools and charities across the route.
TRU said funding awarded in 2025 had helped organisations improve facilities, provide opportunities for local residents and create spaces for communities to come together. Visits to projects including the Booth Centre in Manchester and Make Space York highlighted the impact of previous awards, according to TRU.
Supporting communities during construction
Anna Humphries, head of sustainability and social value for TRU, said: “We’re delighted to open applications for the third year of the TRU Community Fund and continue supporting the organisations that make a real difference in the communities we serve.
“Over the last two years, we’ve seen funding help create inclusive learning environments, develop skills and employment opportunities, improve local spaces and bring people together. The quality and variety of projects has been inspiring.
“The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a long-term investment in the North, and we’re committed to ensuring local communities benefit from that investment while the programme is being delivered, not just when the railway is complete. We encourage eligible organisations to apply and look forward to supporting more projects that deliver lasting positive outcomes for local people.”
Steve Butterworth, chief executive of Neighbourly, said: “Neighbourly exists to connect businesses with the causes that matter most in their communities, and partnerships like this one with TRU show what’s possible when that support is sustained over time. We’ve seen firsthand the difference this fund makes to the groups we work with, and we’re proud to keep making it as easy as possible for organisations along the route to access funding that makes a genuine difference on the ground.”