Transpennine Route Upgrade launches £270,000 Community Fund

The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is launching the third year of its Community Fund, providing £270,000 in funding for local projects. Applications are scheduled to open on Monday, 28 September.

Eligible applicants include community groups, schools, and charities located within five kilometres of the Transpennine route—spanning Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York—as well as organisations near the Shipley Traincare Centre. The fund aims to support projects that improve local spaces, develop skills, provide employment access, and address socio-economic challenges.

Grants are typically set at £5,000, though organisations may apply for an increase up to £10,000 if additional funding would significantly enhance the project's impact. Since its inception, the fund has awarded over £400,000 to more than 60 groups, supporting initiatives such as community gardens, creative skills programmes, and inclusive learning spaces.