The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is encouraging communities across the North to apply for a share of £270,000 after opening applications for its 2026 Community Fund.
Now in its third year, the fund is open to community groups, schools and charities based within five kilometres of the Transpennine route, between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.
Organisations are being encouraged to submit applications for projects that make a lasting difference in their areas. Those within five kilometres of the Shipley Traincare Centre (delivered by TRU) can also apply.
This year, TRU confirmed that £270,000 was available through grants of £5,000, with organisations also able to apply for an uplift to £10,000 where additional funding would significantly increase the impact of their schemes.
Applications can be submitted on the TRU Community Fund 2026 campaign page, where organisations will find application forms, eligibility criteria and supporting guidance.
TRU added that applicants would first need to create an free account with Neighbourly, which is administering the funding on behalf of TRU.
Since its launch, the TRU Community Fund has awarded more than £400,000 to over 60 community groups, schools and charities across the route.
Funding from the 2025 fund has reportedly enabled local organisations to improve facilities, provide new opportunities for residents and create spaces that bring people together. TRU said recent visits to projects including the Booth Centre in Manchester and Make Space York had highlighted the positive impact of this investment, showcasing how Community Fund support is helping organisations enhance the services and facilities they provide to local people.
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, CEO 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.”
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