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Tuesday 1 Sep 2026

Transpennine Route Upgrade to launch £270,000 Community Fund for 2026

Region & Route:

Eastern

Communities are set to benefit from a £270,000 funding boost as the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) prepares to launch the third year of its Community Fund. 

Applications will open on Monday 28 September, giving community groups, schools and charities located within five kilometres of the Transpennine route, between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York, the opportunity to secure funding for projects that make a lasting difference in their areas. Organisations within five kilometres of the Shipley Traincare Centre are also eligible to apply. 

The fund forms part of TRU's commitment to supporting the communities it operates in, helping deliver projects that improve local spaces, create opportunities to develop skills and access employment, and support areas facing socio-economic challenges. 

This year, £270,000 will be made 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. 

Since its launch, the TRU Community Fund has transformed communities across the north awarding more than £400,000 to over 60 community groups, schools and charities across the route, supporting dozens of projects that have improved local facilities, created opportunities for young people and delivered activities bringing people together. 

Recent recipients include Friends of Ravenshall, West Yorkshire which is creating a community petting farm and café run by people with special educational needs and disabilities, and Lord Deramore's School in York, which is developing inclusive outdoor learning spaces for pupils with special educational needs. 

Other successful projects have included community gardens, music and creative skills programmes, and initiatives designed to help people build confidence, grow new skills and gain employment. 

 

Anna Humphries, Head of Sustainability and Social Value for TRU, said: 

"Over the last two years, we've seen the Community Fund support a wide range of projects that are making a real difference to local people. From inclusive learning environments for young people to community-led initiatives that help people develop skills and confidence, the variety of ideas has been inspiring. 

"The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a long-term investment in the North driving growth, and we want local communities to benefit from that investment while the programme is being delivered, not just when the railway upgrade is complete. 

"We're looking forward to seeing what projects come forward this year and helping more organisations turn great ideas into meaningful outcomes for the people they support." 

 

For further details on the TRU Community Fund and how to apply, please visit https://thetrupgrade.co.uk/communityfund/