Norfolk Southern Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Norfolk Southern Foundation supports arts and culture, education, environment, and human services in Norfolk, Virginia and other areas of corporate interest.

FUNDING AREAS: Arts and culture, education, environment, human services

IP TAKE: Even though this funder is moving its headquarters to Atlanta, Norfolk is still expected to be a significant site of grantmaking in the future.

PROFILE: Established in 1983, the Norfolk Southern Foundation (NSF) is a corporate foundation based in Norfolk, Virginia. Norfolk Southern is a transportation company with a railway subsidiary that operates approximately 19,500 route miles and serves container ports in the eastern U.S. The company’s foundation aims to "enhance the quality of life for Norfolk Southern employees and the ‘livability’ of the communities it serves.” It funds local efforts for arts and culture, education, environment, and human services

The Norfolk Southern Foundation’s arts and culture grants are primarily in Norfolk and Atlanta. Education grants focus on business and engineering programs, early childhood education, and childhood literacy. Environmental grants are in line with the company’s sustainability initiatives. Human services grants go to food banks, homeless shelters, and independent free clinics. NSF is moving its headquarters from Norfolk to Atlanta, which means that the foundation’s giving priorities are also changing. However, NSF has a 22-state territory and is still expected to support Virginia nonprofits. NSF has a local discretion grant program that awards small grants in each of the company’s nine operating divisions. NSF provides limited corporate sponsorships for events in its territory and has a matching gift program for company employees.

Grants range between about $1,000 and $100,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on Norfolk, Atlanta, and other areas where the company operates. Past local grantees include the United Way of Central Virginia, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, and the Norfolk Senior Center.

This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Forms are available on the funder’s website. The foundation makes award notifications in December. Direct general questions to the foundation’s executive director, Katie Fletcher, at katie.fletcher@nscorp.com or 757-629-2881.

PEOPLE:

Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).

LINKS: