📋 Tender Overview
Projects related to the railway and addressing social need can now apply for funding from the GWR Customer and Community Improvement Fund.
Following the success of last year's scheme, when GWR provided financial support worth more than £900,000 to 52 projects, GWR is inviting applications for funding for customer and community projects.
As part of its National Rail Contract with the Department for Transport, the train company is committed to supporting schools, colleges, councils, communities and other not-for-profit organisations by supporting a number of initiatives.
The Mumbles Rail Trail project used £7,450 to place copies of station signs at 11 points along the route and at key points along its length, along with information boards, posters and murals.
The use of QR codes has helped bring the route to life, giving smartphone access to old videos, audio clips and historical information.
GWR funding also facilitated the development of an Augmented Reality mobile app, including the ability to "walk around" a Mumbles Railway train in 3D.
GWR is now inviting applications for 2024-25. Plans must demonstrate a connection to the railway and address social need.
Applications must be submitted via an online portal on the GWR website here, where there are guiding notes on successful application submission. All proposals must be submitted by 2359 on Monday 25 March.
Rich Middleton, GWR Growth Manager for England and West of England, said: "The Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a great opportunity for us to invest in projects that make a real difference to our customers and communities at a local level. We are very keen to emphasise that all applications need to be rail related and address social need.
"We are particularly interested in schemes that benefit customers, increase rail journeys, encourage carbon reduction, connect communities, people and places, support economic growth, promote inclusion and diversity, and educational programmes that support rail careers or raise awareness and increase experiences of public transport and rail safety.
"A good application will demonstrate a high level of community engagement and support, and the proposal will have benefits that will continue after the project is finished."
Applications may vary in size, but GWR is particularly looking for small and intermediate offerings to help the largest possible number of communities.
