Grants of up to $25,000 to USA nonprofit organizations in multiple states for programs that benefit communities served by the funding source. Funding is intended to support capacity-building activities, and programs and projects in the areas of safety, workforce development, community spaces, and local needs. Preference will be shown for programs and organizations working to advance the diversity, equity and inclusion of underrepresented populations.

The program or project for which grant funds are sought must primarily benefit a community that is served by Union Pacific. Union Pacific serves communities in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Funding will be prioritized for direct services and efforts that build the capacity of organizations focused on the causes listed below within the Foundation's local operating communities. Within each focus area, they aim to support programs and organizations working to advance the diversity, equity and inclusion of underrepresented populations within the local context and issue areas addressed.

Focus Areas:

Safety: Funding is prioritized for programs that seek to:

• Encourage safe behaviors and prevent accidents through education and awareness,  particularly projects which focus on rail, driver, bike, and pedestrian safety, and ensure outreach efforts reach diverse populations.
• Eliminate risks and improve safe and equitable access to community spaces through infrastructure improvements, such as signage, proper lighting, and public trail improvements.
• Prepare and equip residents and emergency responders to effectively respond to incidents and emergencies if or when they occur.
• Prevent crime and violent incidents through efforts that address the root causes of these issues and seek to mitigate their occurrence.
• Provide homeless and at-risk populations access to safe shelter and services that ameliorate and prevent homelessness. 
• Build the capacity of safety-focused organizations to integrate DEI best practices internally and/or within their community programs. 

Workforce Development: Funding is prioritized for programs that seek to:

• Put youth on the right track by creating awareness of family-supporting jobs like those Union Pacific offers, and building foundational skills, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as necessary technical and life skills, to begin a trajectory toward these careers.
• Raise awareness of, educate and prepare young adults for middle skills jobs like those Union Pacific offers, for instance through community colleges, vocational and career training programs, workforce readiness initiatives, and programs that assist with job placement and/or on-the-job experience. Programs that develop proficiency in areas of relevance to Union Pacific operations such as welding, electrical work, machine operations, and civil and electrical engineering are given priority.
• "Up-skill" the existing workforce by providing training and resources that enable them to reach the next level of their career. Programs that develop proficiency in areas of relevance to Union Pacific operations are given priority.
• Build the capacity of workforce development-focused organizations to integrate DEI best practices internally and/or within their community programs.

Programs with a focus on cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce through the intentional support of women and BIPOC individuals in particular, as well as those with a focus on rural communities, will be given special consideration.

Community Spaces: Funding is prioritized for programs and projects that achieve the following:

• Create, sustain or expand artistic and cultural experiences offered to a broad and diverse audience (e.g., museums, theatres, libraries, concerts, lectures, etc.), and ensure equitable access.
• Preserve and share the unique culture and history of the local community, including projects related to train and/or Union Pacific history.
• Provide clean, safe, equitable and accessible outdoor recreational and/or educational opportunities that foster an appreciation for our natural environment.
• Beautify neighborhoods and main street areas, especially in historically underinvested neighborhoods, in order to improve livability, promote commerce and, ultimately, attract more residents, businesses and visitors to town.
• Plan for, create or enhance unique spaces that reflect the character of a place and take into account community members' diverse needs, interests, and desires.
• Build the capacity of community spaces-focused organizations to integrate DEI best practices internally and/or within their community programs.

Local Needs: Funding is prioritized for programs that achieve the following:

• Improve the quality of life among underserved populations.
• Address a critical challenge among those most in need.
• Advance local DEI efforts, including grants to BIPOC-led organizations.