Norfolk Southern Corp's Community Investment Surges Past $18 Million for Third Consecutive Year

Kristin Wong, Director of the NS Foundation and Community Impact, emphasized the deep-rooted connection the railroad has with the communities it serves. "Our railroad is deeply connected to the communities we serve," Wong stated, highlighting that the company’s contributions are aimed at fostering resilience, opportunity, and family support.

Norfolk Southern's charitable efforts in 2025 resulted in several notable achievements:

Norfolk Southern advanced its sustainability goals by enhancing equitable access to parks and trails, making a donation of $250,000 to the Trust for Public Land. This contribution has brought the company’s total support for this initiative to $950,000 since 2022.

In an effort to promote public safety, Norfolk Southern invested $2 million in the Atlanta Police Foundation's Safest City Campaign and contributed $100,000 to the Chicago Police Foundation. Additionally, the company allocated $1.6 million through its Safety First grants, reinforcing its commitment to community safety.

The company has made substantial strides in workforce development by establishing a welding training center at the City of Refuge and providing $100,000 in Trades on Track scholarships. Since 2002, the Thoroughbred Scholars program has awarded $1.4 million in scholarships to children of Norfolk Southern team members, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to educational support.

In 2025, Norfolk Southern distributed $4.5 million in grants focused on housing, food, and job training assistance. A notable $1 million donation was made to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation to support 75 nonprofits in Virginia. The company also directed funds towards disaster relief and healthcare support across its 22-state network.

Beyond financial contributions, Norfolk Southern employees have actively volunteered thousands of hours with organizations such as HOPE Atlanta, Habitat for Humanity, and Marine Toys for Tots. These efforts reflect the company’s ethos of community engagement and support.

As Norfolk Southern looks forward to 2026, the company plans to continue its collaboration with nonprofits, community leaders, and public agencies to address local needs and provide essential resources. Applications for the Thriving Communities Safety First grant program will open in February, while the Trades on Track community scholarship program will accept applications starting in May.

Founded in 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation operates a 22-state freight transportation network that is integral to the U.S. economy. The company is committed to sustainability, helping customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of carbon emissions annually by utilizing rail transport. With a focus on delivering comprehensive services, Norfolk Southern serves a significant portion of the nation’s population and manufacturing base, connecting to all major eastern U.S. container ports.

Norfolk Southern's philanthropic initiatives and community-oriented strategies not only showcase its corporate responsibility but also underline its commitment to fostering sustainable and thriving communities across its operational footprint.