The Rail Heritage Trust
Accepts applications
The Rail Heritage Trust is a private foundation in Paola, Kansas. In tax year 2025 it gave $250,000 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $45,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$250,000
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$45,000
- Assets$7.4 million
- New grantees80%
Giving in 2025 was the same as $250,000 the year before.
80% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $250,000 | 18 | $6.4 million |
| 2024 | $250,000 | 18 | $6.4 million |
| 2025 | $250,000 | 20 | $7.4 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Charitable Foundations First Option 702 Baptiste Drive, Paola, KS 66071 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (913) 294-9222, application@emeryrailheritagetrust.org |
| What to submit | Application is available at: firstoptionbank.com/about-us/ foundations-and-scholarships/ submit online to: application@emeryrailheritagetrust.org. Email questions to questions@emeryrailheritagetrust.org. |
| Deadlines | Applications are accepted until 11:59 pm cst feb 1 of each year. |
| Restrictions | Funds will only be distributed to sec 501(c)(3) charitable organizations that provide to the public the actual experience of travel by rail during the golden age. Funds will be distributed to support the recreation, restoration and preservation of actual rail travel during the "golden age" of U.S. Rail passenger service - 1920 through 1960. |
What The Rail Heritage Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 14 states, the most to Tennessee.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 2 | $60,550 |
| Pennsylvania | 4 | $45,000 |
| Oregon | 2 | $37,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $20,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $15,000 |
| New York | 1 | $11,100 |
| California | 2 | $11,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $11,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville Steam Preservation Society | Locomotive 576 eectrical components | $45,000 |
| Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation | Work on orns 197 locomotive | $27,000 |
| Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust | Pullman woodland heating system | $25,000 |
| Minnesota Transportation Museum Inc | Passenger car 1213 modernization | $20,000 |
| Watauga Valley RR Hist Society & Museum Inc | Work on car watx 100 | $15,550 |
| Western Michigan Society for Industrial Heritage | Painting two cn coaches | $15,000 |
| Adirondack Railway Preservation Society | Return nyc rs3 8223 to service | $11,100 |
| Railroad Museum Golden Gate | Restoration of fec coach #136 | $11,000 |
| Anthracite Railroads Historical Society Inc | B-unit generator rebuild | $10,000 |
| Friends of the SP4449 Inc | Paint dlmx dining car | $10,000 |
| Pacific Southwest Railway Museum | Restoration sp 3709 | $10,000 |
| Smoky Hill Railway & Hist Society Inc | Repaint engine & caboose | $10,000 |
| Tri-State Railway Historical Society Inc | Rewire of f3a locomotive | $10,000 |
| Norfolk & Western Business Car 300 Preservation Soc Inc | Hollins college windows | $7,000 |
| Fox River Trolley Association Inc | Two projects | $5,000 |
| North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation | Restore n&w combine 1506 | $5,000 |
| Railways to Yesterday Inc | Redo seats for ae&c car 315 | $5,000 |
| West Chester Railroad Heritage Assoc | Maintenance on ex-reading mu cars | $5,000 |
| Connecticut Electric Rwy Assn Inc | Relettering & painting ca&e 303 | $2,350 |
| El Dorado Western Railway Foundation | Work on railroad cars | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- First Option Bank
Questions people ask
Does The Rail Heritage Trust accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Applications are accepted until 11:59 pm cst feb 1 of each year..
How much does The Rail Heritage Trust give?
$250,000 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Rail Heritage Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists First Option Bank (Trustee).
What does The Rail Heritage Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.