Last chance to apply for cash for railway-related projects from GWR grant fund

Communities and organisations have just one week left to apply for funding to support railway-related projects in their areas.

Applications for the Great Western Railway's Customer and Community Fund will close at midday on Monday, February 2, but there is still time to apply.

Last year the grants programme supported more than 90 projects across the GWR network, which included Barnstaple.

Friends of Barnstaple Railway Station used their £2,500 funding in partnership with Braunton Men’s Shed to repair platform planters and create a bug house in the form of a traditional signal box.

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Other projects included £24,000 towards the Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Bristol, plus Avonmouth Community Centre Association received £13,000 to develop a project focused on gardening, growing food and connecting people through green space - inspired by the story of the railway.

The fund is aimed at supporting small and medium rail-related projects that benefit railway passengers and address local social needs through charities, community groups and voluntary organisations.

GWR says it would particularly like to hear from schemes that encourage rail travel, carbon reduction, connect communities, support economic growth, promote inclusion and diversity and deliver educational programmes around careers in rail or public transport awareness and rail safety.

Emma Morris, senior community impact manager at GWR, said: “Our Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a superb programme that allows us to invest locally in projects that have a positive and meaningful impact for our customers and our communities.

“With past funding we've supported a diverse range of initiatives, from inspiring educational programmes and wayfinding schemes to wildlife and railway heritage conservation.

“We're committed to improving passenger journeys and the economic prosperity and social footprint of the regions we serve.”

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All schemes must show a clear link to the railway and demonstrate strong community involvement. Projects must be completed by the end of March 2027.

For more information and to submit an application, visit the GWR community investment page online at https://www.gwr.com/about-gwr/what-you-can-expect/community/community-investment