Union Pacific – Community Ties Giving Program: Local Grants (2026)
Deadline: April 30, 2026 (3:00 PM CT)
One-Year Grants for Nonprofits Serving Union Pacific Communities
The Union Pacific Railroad Community Ties Giving Program provides annual Local Grants to nonprofit organizations working in communities where Union Pacific operates. Through a competitive process, the program supports projects that strengthen local communities and align with Union Pacific’s philanthropic priorities.
Organization: Union Pacific Community Ties Giving Program
Support Type: Local community grants
Geographic Focus: Communities served by Union Pacific
Grant Term: 1 year
About the Funder
Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program invests in nonprofit partners that help build safer, stronger, and more vibrant communities across its national footprint. Local Grants are awarded annually through a competitive application process and are designed to support clearly defined, one-year projects or programs.
Grant Overview
- Typical Award Size: $5,000 – $30,000
- Grant Term: One year
- Limit: One application and one award per organization per annual cycle (by IRS EIN)
- Software Platform: Blackbaud YourCause GrantsConnect
Local chapters of national organizations that share an EIN are eligible to submit individual applications.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Be located in or serving a Union Pacific community
- Pass an initial eligibility questionnaire prior to accessing the full application
- Apply for a one-year project or program aligned with Local Grants objectives
Note: Organizations that received Union Pacific Local Grants for three consecutive years (2023–2025) are not eligible for the 2026 cycle but may reapply in 2027.
Application Timeline
📅 Application Portal Opens: April 1, 2026
📅 Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM Central Time
⚠️ Applications started after April 23 may not have time for technical assistance. Late applications will not be accepted.
📅 Award Notification: August 2026
📅 Grant Checks Distributed: September 2026
📅 Grant Term: September 2026 – August 2027
📅 Impact Report Due: July 31, 2027
Important Considerations
- Only one application per organization is permitted each year
- Union Pacific does not provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants
- 2025 grant recipients must submit impact reports by July 31, 2026
Application Process
- Complete the eligibility questionnaire
- If eligible, complete the full online application via the Local Grants portal
- Submit by April 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM CT
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.up.com/communities/philanthropic-giving/local-grants/app-process-timeline
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This grant is a strong fit for organizations that:
- Serve communities connected to Union Pacific operations
- Have a clearly scoped, one-year project with measurable outcomes
- Are seeking mid-sized corporate grants for local impact
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Grant Type: Competitive local grants
Deadline: April 30, 2026 (3:00 PM CT)
Award Size: $5,000–$30,000
Best Suited For: Community-based nonprofits in Union Pacific service areas
