The Chiltern Railways Community Investment Fund (CIF) supports local projects that create lasting positive change along our network. With grants of various sizes available, we’re investing in initiatives that enhance station environments, promote sustainable travel, strengthen community connections, and more.
| ⚠ | Please note that our Community Investment Fund is closed, and will reopen in April 2025. |
About the fund
Our funding programme opens for applications at the start of April each year, feeding back an outcome by the start of July, supporting projects to be delivered by the following March. The fund aims to deliver meaningful social, economic and environmental value to communities served by Chiltern Railways.
How to apply
Step 1: Review our latest guidelines
Please read our Community Investment Fund Guidelines carefully before starting your application. These are refreshed every year with new conditions and eligibility criteria and are published when the fund launches. If you have applied in the past, these guidelines may have changed.
Step 2: Prepare your application
Gather all required information and supporting documents, all of which are included within the Community Investment Fund Guidelines
Step 3: Submit online
Complete our online application form to finalise your application.
After you apply
- Applications are reviewed by our Community Investment Fund panel
- We aim to notify all applicants of decisions in early-July
- Successful projects will receive a funding agreement to sign
Important notes
- Late applications cannot be accepted
- Ensure all supporting documents are uploaded before submission, or email them to us if you are unable to upload to our online form
Previous success stories
Our funded projects have already made significant impacts across our network. From engaging schoolchildren in rail education to transforming station spaces with community artwork, each project contributes to making our railway more community focussed. Before submitting an application, we encourage you to read our success stories to see how previous funding has transformed local communities.
- Marylebone on Display
- Artwork exhibition at Marylebone station created through art therapy sessions attended by women facing homelessness at The Marylebone Project - the UK’s largest and oldest women’s homelessness service.
- Artwork exhibition at Marylebone station created through art therapy sessions attended by women facing homelessness at The Marylebone Project - the UK’s largest and oldest women’s homelessness service.
- The Feathers Association
- 22-metre community mural on the Rossmore Road bridge behind Marylebone station, commissioned by world-renowned DJ and graffiti artist Bunny Bread, a former attendee of Feathers.
- 22-metre community mural on the Rossmore Road bridge behind Marylebone station, commissioned by world-renowned DJ and graffiti artist Bunny Bread, a former attendee of Feathers.
- The Tree Council
- A series of pop-up events and workshops for the public and staff volunteers covering tree planting at Gerrards Cross, with the intention of expanding to cover more of our network in the near future.
- A series of pop-up events and workshops for the public and staff volunteers covering tree planting at Gerrards Cross, with the intention of expanding to cover more of our network in the near future.
- BNU / Chiltern Rangers
- A collaboration between Chiltern Rangers and Buckinghamshire New University, involving a student-led mural and gardening in and around High Wycombe station.
- A collaboration between Chiltern Rangers and Buckinghamshire New University, involving a student-led mural and gardening in and around High Wycombe station.
Contact us
Have questions about the fund or need guidance with your application? Our team is here to help. Contact us on [email protected].