Private foundation · Paola, KS (gives in Tennessee from out of state)
The Rail Heritage Trust
Takes applications. See how to apply below.
Key facts
- Grants in Tennessee
- 2 totaling $60,550
- Typical grant
- $15,550 to $45,000 (the middle half of its Tennessee grants)
- A realistic first ask
- About $30,275, its middle Tennessee grant. First-time winners usually get less than repeat ones.
- Where it gives
- Davidson County, Washington County · plus 18 grants outside Tennessee
- Buildings & equipment
- None of its Tennessee grants in this filing were for buildings or equipment
- Funds new groups?
- 100% of the Tennessee groups it funded in 2025 were new (not funded in 2023–2024): 2 of 2.
- Total giving that year
- $250,000
Giving by year
| Tax year | Total grants paid | To Tennessee | Tennessee grants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $250K | $61K | 2 |
| 2024 | $250K | $20K | 1 |
| 2023 | $250K | — | 0 |
How to apply
- Contact
- Charitable foundations first option · paola · 9132949222 · application@emeryrailheritagetrust.org
- What to send
- 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.
Next one: Feb 1, 2027 if the dates haven't changed since its 2025 filing - Limits
- 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.
As the foundation reported to the IRS for tax year 2025. Check its website or call before sending anything, because contacts and deadlines change.
Board and officers
Does your board know anyone here?
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- First Option BankTrustee
As listed in its 2025 IRS filing. Many foundations decide through their board, so a personal connection often matters more than a perfect application.
What it funds most often
- Locomotive 576 eectrical components
- Work on car watx 100
Tennessee organizations it funded
Largest first. Past winners are good people to ask what the foundation looks for. Select a group to see who else funds it.
| Past winner | Where | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville Steam Preservation Society | Nashville, Davidson County | Locomotive 576 eectrical components | $45K |
| Watauga Valley Rr Hist Society & Museum Inc. | Jonesborough, Washington County | Work on car watx 100 | $16K |