Last week we emailed to let you know that our Customer and Community Improvement Fund would soon be opening so that you could start to consider bids. I am therefore delighted to confirm that the fund is now open and we are very much looking forward to receiving applications. You have until 2359 on Monday 25 March to apply.
Applications must be made online – the application form and more guidance are on our website here https://www.gwr.com/about-gwr/what-you-can-expect/community/community-investment
We are particularly interested in bids that show a tangible benefit to the community with an emphasis on inclusion and diversity, engagement and education, environmental benefit and increasing rail travel.
It would be great if the fund could help close the gap on projects where some existing funding has been secured or could be available from other sources. However, each proposal will be treated on its own merits and consideration of the benefit it would bring to the community, and we will happily fund projects without any match funding.
We want to encourage bids of all shapes and sizes, though to be fair, as the funding needs to cover our whole network we are particularly keen on small and medium projects. This could include phased projects, for instance a bid for a feasibility study or some research, to support a larger project. There must be a link to the railway in every project and they must address an area of social need.
For more information and to discuss any ideas you have please use our dedicated email address Community.Fund@GWR.com. We are keen to encourage as many bids as possible and look forward to hearing from you.
