Media centre

Wednesday 15 Oct 2025

Halfway mark reached for TRU Community Fund applications

Region & Route:

Eastern

Strong interest has already been shown in this year’s Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) Community Fund, and local community groups, schools and charities are urged to apply now before applications close – or earlier if capacity is reached.

With just 12 days remaining until the Monday 27 October deadline, the TRU Community Fund is offering £250,000 to support organisations within five miles of the Transpennine route between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, or the Shipley Traincare Centre – a key TRU worksite.

Grants of £1,000, £5,000, £10,000 or £20,000 are available to help create or enhance community-focused facilities. Applications are managed by Neighbourly through their website on the TRU Community Fund campaign page.

The Community Fund forms a key part of TRU's commitment to invest in local communities and protect the spaces and places it will be working in over the next decade.

In recent weeks, TRU colleagues have been joined by political stakeholders to visit 2024 Community Fund recipients and see the impact of last year's funding. This included a visit to The Conservation Volunteers, joined by Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council.

The group, which enhances and protects green spaces through conservation and community engagement, demonstrated how the funding has strengthened their vital work.

TRU also visited Support and Action for Women’s Network (SAWN), an Oldham charity supporting Black and Asian minority ethnic women. The visit, joined by Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, showcased the new community cabin funded at SAWN’s Chadderton allotment site.

Alex Peters, Interim Head of Sustainability and Social Value for TRU, said: “We're thrilled with the enthusiasm shown for our second Community Fund and encourage any remaining eligible organisations to submit their applications before the deadline. These grants will help strengthen vital community facilities across the region.”

Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said: “I have seen first-hand the positive impact community funding can have on local facilities and services, bringing people together, improving cherished local spaces, being active and enjoying time outdoors.

“I encourage communities like mine in York, and eligible organisations right across the Transpennine route, to apply for this year’s Community Fund before the deadline – it's a valuable opportunity to strengthen, build and connect our communities and enhance local spaces."

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Community organisations like SAWN do incredible work supporting local people, and it’s wonderful to see how TRU funding has enhanced their facilities. I encourage other eligible groups in Oldham and across the route to apply before the deadline.”

Questions about applications should be directed to Neighbourly at community@neighbourly.com. Please note that if a high number of applications are received, the application window may need to close early.