At an early age, David Light fell in love with trains and never looked back. Whether riding the rails on excursions, camping out at Irondale to watch trains, or absorbing anything he could learn about railroading, Light pursued his passion and turned it into a career.,A member of the NS team for 16 years, Light operates trains throughout our Alabama Great Southern (AGS) District. His familiarity with the territory helped him capture this NS train as grain was unloaded at Koch Industries in Attalla, Alabama. “This is one of the few spots in the area that has a full loop track,” he says. “It’s an interesting shot because you can see the train appear to be chasing its own tail as it is unloading.”,It took a few tries to finally land a position with NS many years ago, Light says, but that perseverance is a point of pride. “Through the ups and downs, nothing will ever change my love for sitting in the seat, hand on the throttle, and moving these trains,” he says. “I take great pride in what I do every day and what we do as a team."

GRANT PROGRAMS

In 2023, Norfolk Southern launched two new, open-application grant programs. These programs are designed to support organizations that promote safe and sustainable operations, develop the local work force, and build strong, resilient communities in the 22 states where Norfolk Southern operates.

 

Applications for the Thriving Communities and Safety First grants during the 2025 program year will be accepted April 1 through September 1, 2025. Applications for Community Disaster Relief grants are available periodically at the discretion of the NS Community Impact team following severe weather events impacting communities within our network. The application period typically remains open for 3-6 weeks but will vary depending on ongoing recovery efforts and the nature of the disaster. The In-Kind Donation grant program does not have a deadline to apply and is open year-round.

Promoting Safety

Safety First Grant

The Safety First Grant Program is designed to promote overall community safety across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network. This program is intended to support organizations that directly provide safety services or operate programs that promote safe behavior.
 

Norfolk Southern values its relationship with first responders and established the Safety- First program, in part, to recognize and support such groups.

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Group of Volunteers

Promoting Sustainability

Thriving Communities Grant

The Thriving Communities Grant Program is designed to promote sustainability initiatives, workforce development programs, and community resiliency efforts across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network.

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Thriving Community Grant Image 1.2025

SUPPORTING RECOVERY

Community Disaster Relief Grant

The Community Disaster Relief Grant Program is designed to support recovery efforts following severe weather events that impact communities within Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network.

 

Applications are available periodically at the discretion of the NS Community Impact team following severe weather events impacting communities within our network. The application period typically remains open for 3-6 weeks but will vary depending on ongoing recovery efforts and the nature of the disaster.

Disaster Relief

SUPPLYING PROSPERITY

In-Kind Donation Grant

The In-Kind Donation Grant Program is designed to support organizations interested in obtaining Norfolk Southern materials for projects that align with our focus areas.

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In-Kind Donation Grant

NEW!

River Revitalization on Track with Help from Norfolk Southern Grant

Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) received a $15,000 Thriving Communities Grant in 2024, and are using the funds to protect the river. The grant is also supporting environmental education by enhancing the Appomattox River Center to host more workshops and community events.

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River Revitalization

Learn More About Corporate Giving

ESG Report

Norfolk Southern Enviromental, Social, and Governance report.

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Grant Guidelines

Learn more about the grant guidelines and eligilibility requirements.

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Our Focus Areas

Learn more about the our focus areas.

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Grant FAQ's

Answers to some commonly asked questions.

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