Community groups, schools and charities in the Huddersfield area have got a week to apply for a share of a £270,000 fund linked to the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

The TRU Community Fund is open to organisations based within five kilometres of the railway route between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.

Applications close on Friday, October 9, and organisers have warned the deadline could be brought forward if demand is high.

Grants of £5,000 are available, with some organisations able to apply for up to £10,000 if the extra funding would significantly increase the impact of their project.

The fund could benefit local organisations working to improve community spaces, help people develop skills or find employment and support areas facing social and economic challenges.

It is the third year of the scheme, which is part of the wider Transpennine Route Upgrade affecting services and infrastructure through Huddersfield.

More than £400,000 has been awarded to over 60 community groups, schools and charities across the route since the fund was launched.

Previous grants have helped improve local facilities, create opportunities for young people and support activities which bring communities together, including the Rise In Unity organisation in Lockwood (pictured above), which was awarded a grant last year. 

Anna Humphries, head of sustainability and social value for TRU, said: “We’re delighted to open applications for the third year of the TRU Community Fund and continue supporting the organisations that make a real difference in the communities we serve.

“Over the last two years, we’ve seen funding help create inclusive learning environments, develop skills and employment opportunities, improve local spaces and bring people together.

“The Transpennine Route Upgrade is a long-term investment in the North and we’re committed to ensuring local communities benefit from that investment while the programme is being delivered, not just when the railway is complete.”

Steve Butterworth, chief executive of Neighbourly, which is administering the fund, said the partnership had shown what sustained support could do for community organisations.

Applications can be made through the TRU Community Fund 2026 page on the Neighbourly website here.

Organisations that do not already have a free Neighbourly account will need to create one before applying.