Union Pacific Strengthens Community Impact with Over $4 Million in Grants to 430 Local Nonprofit Organizations
Union Pacific Railroad has reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to community development and sustainability with the announcement of more than $4 million in local grants distributed to 430 nonprofit organizations through its Community Ties Giving Program. The initiative underscores the railroad’s deep-rooted dedication to supporting the communities along its expansive 23-state network—communities that form the foundation of its workforce, its operations, and its history.
Investing in Stronger, Safer, and More Sustainable Communities
Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program serves as one of the company’s most significant vehicles for philanthropy and local engagement. Designed to create long-term, positive change, the program focuses on four key giving priorities: safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. Each grant, ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, is strategically invested in local organizations whose missions align with these priorities, ensuring the funding produces measurable results.
For Union Pacific, these grants are more than financial contributions—they are investments in the people and organizations that make communities thrive. Whether through initiatives that teach young people valuable career skills, programs that improve neighborhood safety, or projects that restore natural habitats, the company’s goal is to empower change-makers on the ground.
A Legacy of Partnership and Progress
Union Pacific’s legacy of community involvement stretches back over 160 years, mirroring the company’s own growth alongside America’s development. Through the Community Ties Giving Program, Union Pacific continues that legacy by building partnerships with nonprofits that are creating lasting improvements in the places where its employees live and work.
The most recent round of grants reflects this enduring partnership, supporting a wide variety of causes that touch nearly every aspect of community life. Recipients include organizations working in youth mentorship, STEM education, public safety training, environmental conservation, workforce readiness, and disaster relief. Each initiative represents a unique opportunity to strengthen community ties, echoing the very name of the program.
Liisa Lawson Stark, Vice President of Public Affairs for Union Pacific Railroad, emphasized the human impact behind the company’s philanthropic mission:
“Union Pacific is committed to empowering local organizations that are driving meaningful change. These nonprofits are the heartbeat of their communities, and we’re honored to support their efforts to create safer, more vibrant places.”
Her remarks highlight how deeply Union Pacific’s philanthropic philosophy is intertwined with its business values—recognizing that thriving communities lead to a stronger, safer, and more sustainable rail network.
Supporting Safety and Preparedness
Among the most critical pillars of Union Pacific’s giving priorities is safety—both on and off the tracks. The company believes that fostering safe communities begins with education and preparedness. Many of this year’s grant recipients are organizations dedicated to public safety initiatives, including first responder training programs, youth traffic safety campaigns, and community emergency preparedness education.
By investing in these efforts, Union Pacific helps ensure that communities are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure to stay safe. This focus reflects the company’s overarching safety philosophy, which extends from its rail operations to the neighborhoods its trains pass through every day.
Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow
Union Pacific’s workforce development grants are designed to prepare the next generation for success in a rapidly evolving economy. The company’s support enables nonprofits to deliver programs that teach high-demand skills, offer career readiness training, and expand access to educational opportunities.
From trade apprenticeships to STEM-focused initiatives, these programs empower individuals—particularly those from underserved backgrounds—to build sustainable careers. In many cases, these efforts also serve as a pipeline for future Union Pacific employees, helping the company cultivate a diverse, skilled, and innovative workforce that will drive its long-term success.
Building Vibrant Communities
The community vitality component of the program focuses on enhancing quality of life through arts, culture, and civic engagement. Many of the grants are directed toward projects that bring communities together, such as revitalizing public spaces, supporting local arts organizations, and strengthening social services.
Union Pacific recognizes that strong communities are not just built on infrastructure, but on connection and collaboration. Whether it’s a new community garden, a neighborhood arts program, or a resource center for families, these projects help nurture civic pride and shared purpose—key ingredients in maintaining the vitality of towns and cities across Union Pacific’s network.
Promoting Environmental Stewardship
As sustainability becomes an increasingly urgent global priority, Union Pacific continues to lead by example through its environmental sustainability grants. These awards support nonprofits working to protect natural resources, reduce waste, promote conservation, and educate communities about environmental stewardship.
From reforestation initiatives to river cleanup projects and renewable energy education, these grants help local organizations implement impactful, scalable solutions that align with Union Pacific’s own sustainability goals. The company’s broader environmental strategy includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in cleaner technologies, and improving fuel efficiency across its operations—all while partnering with communities to achieve shared climate objectives.
A Competitive and Inclusive Grant Process
The Community Ties Giving Program is not only generous but also highly competitive, ensuring that funds are distributed equitably and effectively. Each year, the application process opens in April, inviting eligible 501(c)(3) organizations within Union Pacific’s service areas to submit proposals.
Applications are carefully evaluated based on their alignment with Union Pacific’s focus areas, potential for measurable impact, and the organization’s track record of success. This rigorous process ensures that the grants go to nonprofits capable of driving meaningful, long-term change.
The competitive nature of the program also encourages innovation, as applicants are challenged to design creative solutions to pressing community needs—from improving local safety to addressing workforce shortages or environmental concerns.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Union Pacific’s philanthropic efforts reflect a broader corporate vision—one where business growth and community well-being go hand in hand. By channeling over $4 million into local projects, the company is not just giving back; it’s investing in the shared future of the communities it serves.
The railroad’s 23-state network connects people, industries, and resources across America, and its charitable investments mirror that same spirit of connection. The more than 400 grant recipients represent a diverse range of organizations, yet they share a common goal: to create positive, lasting impact in their communities.
For Union Pacific, the success of its Community Ties Giving Program is measured not just in dollars spent, but in lives improved, opportunities created, and communities strengthened. Each grant helps lay the groundwork for a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable future—one where progress moves hand in hand with purpose.
As the next application cycle approaches, Union Pacific encourages eligible nonprofits to participate in this impactful initiative. The company’s message remains clear: when communities thrive, so does the railroad that connects them.