Significant Railway Community Fund Opens for Kent Organisations
Community groups and charities across Kent now have an exciting opportunity to secure funding for projects aimed at improving the areas surrounding local railway stations. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has opened applications for the ‘Your Station, Your Community’ improvement fund, designed to support positive developments along its Southern and Thameslink routes serving Kent. With a total of £1.26 million awarded so far to community initiatives, the fund aims to help Kent-based organisations make a lasting impact on mental health, employability, diversity, environmental sustainability, and station environments.
What is the ‘Your Station, Your Community’ Fund and Its Vision?
A Legacy of Local Investment: Fund History and Broad Impact
Since its launch, the ‘Your Station, Your Community’ fund has distributed over £1.26 million to support projects that benefit communities along GTR’s network. The initiative is aimed at improving the passenger experience and the wellbeing of local residents through community-led projects near railway stations. On average, grants range from £10,000 to £50,000 per project, allowing organisations to deliver meaningful and sustainable improvements.
Key Themes for Kent-Based Projects
The fund prioritises five core themes aligned with community needs in Kent and across the GTR network:
- Mental Health – Supporting local initiatives that provide access to wellbeing activities and mental health resources near stations.
- Employability Skills – Projects that help build skills and job opportunities for Kent residents.
- Diversity and Inclusion – Initiatives promoting equality, participation, and representation of diverse groups within communities.
- Environmental Sustainability – Activities focused on environmental care, reducing waste, and promoting green spaces around stations.
- Improving Station Environments – Enhancing the look and feel of stations through art, horticulture, and community spaces.
These themes reflect opportunities unique to Kent’s varied communities and railway corridors, where the railway stations act as gateways for residents and visitors alike.
Opportunity for Kent: Who Can Apply and What’s Funded?
Eligibility for Kent’s Community Groups and Charities
The fund is open to community groups, registered charities, social enterprises, volunteer organisations, and local authorities that operate within the areas served by GTR’s Southern and Thameslink services across Kent. Projects must focus on locations around railway stations managed by GTR, with preference given to initiatives close to GTR-operated stations such as Ashford International, Canterbury West, Maidstone East, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, and others on the Kent network.
Grant Tiers and Special Support
Applicants can submit proposals for grants up to £50,000. Proposals requesting over £10,000 should be discussed with GTR prior to application to ensure the project aligns with the fund’s priorities. Additionally, two Station Partner Support Grants are available for arts, creative, environmental, and horticulture projects that may span the entire network, offering further opportunities for engagement.
The Impact in Action: Learning from Success
Though many successful projects have taken place outside Kent, such as Brighton and Hove, they serve as excellent examples of what Kent organisations can achieve through this fund. The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership received support to enhance cooking confidence and healthy eating among local residents, resulting in an 81% increase in participant confidence. The initiative also built community connections, showing how targeted funding can make a deep difference.
Jo Glazebrook, Manager of Brighton Community Kitchen, highlighted, “The fund has transformed our ability to support people experiencing social isolation and food insecurity. It’s encouraging to think that Kent’s communities can develop similar impactful projects with this support.” This testament demonstrates the real-world benefits possible for Kent groups ready to apply.
How to Apply: Key Dates and Resources for Kent Applicants
Application Deadline for the 2026/27 Fund
The application window for funding projects in the 2026/27 period closes at midnight on Tuesday, 9 December 2025. Early preparation and consultation with GTR’s funding team are advised to maximise chances of a successful application.
Your Application Journey: Where to Find More Information
Kent organisations interested in applying for the fund can find detailed guidance, eligibility criteria, and application forms on the official Govia Thameslink Railway website here. For any media inquiries or further assistance with the application process, GTR’s press office can be contacted at press.office@gtr.uk.com.
A Call to Action for Kent’s Communities
Rob Whitehead, Community Engagement Manager at Govia Thameslink Railway, encourages Kent organisations to consider applying: “We want to hear from groups across Kent who are passionate about building stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities around their local stations. This fund is a real chance to bring ideas to life with tangible benefits for people living and travelling here.”
As communities around Kent’s railway stations look to the future, this fund provides a valuable opportunity to invest in projects that improve lives and local environments. We urge all eligible groups to take advantage of this chance to make a positive difference close to home and contribute to the ongoing regeneration of Kent’s transport hubs.
