LNER is encouraging charities, organisations, and community rail partnerships and station groups across its 956-mile route to apply for funding from its Customer and Community Investment Fund.

The Fund aims to make a difference to people’s lives, supporting projects that focus on mental health, education and employability skills among marginalised groups, diversity and inclusion, and environmental sustainability, particularly projects that focus on biodiversity, sustainable travel, and waste reduction and the circular economy.

More than 130 projects have received funding over the past five years, led by organisations including Samaritans, MHA, When You Wish Upon a Star, and the Canal and River Trust.

David Flesher, Commercial Director at LNER, said: “Our customers and communities are at the heart of what we do. We are proud to support fantastic projects across the LNER route through our Customer and Community Investment Fund. These projects really make a difference to people’s lives, from enhancing their wellbeing to helping them develop new skills.

“This year, we are focusing on the environment with biodiversity and sustainable travel initiatives among the categories. We’d love to see as many applications as possible from right along the LNER route. I’d encourage anyone looking to apply to visit our website to find out more.”

Those applying need to be located within 10-15 miles of the East Coast Main Line where there is an identified social need and must outline how their project will help create a more inclusive, prosperous, and connected community. £50,000 is the maximum amount that can be applied for, and this year preference will be given to small and medium organisations, over larger ones.

The application window will close at 11:59pm on Sunday 24 September 2023.

Visit the LNER website to access the online application form and read more about previous winning projects.