Union Pacific Community Ties Local Grants
Eligibility
Schools and nonprofits in communities along Union Pacific rail lines, primarily in Nebraska, Iowa, and other rail corridor states. Focus on education, community safety, and workforce development.
Program Goals
Union Pacific's Community Ties program invests in communities along its rail network. Education, STEM, and workforce programs in Nebraska railroad communities are a priority. Omaha-area schools have strong eligibility.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Apply online through the Union Pacific Foundation website. The 2026 deadline was April 30. Next cycle expected early 2027.
Cycle Notes
Annual cycle. April 30, 2026 deadline (closed). Next cycle expected early 2027. Monitor up.com.
Grant Award Amount
Typical awards $5,000-$30,000 for local community programs in UP corridor communities.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
- CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Schools and nonprofits in communities along Union Pacific rail lines, especially Nebraska.
How much does Union Pacific Community Ties provide?
Typical awards $5,000-$30,000.
Can these funds be used for STEM tools?
Yes. Education and STEM programs aligned to community development goals are eligible.
How do Nebraska schools apply?
Monitor up.com/aboutup/community for the next annual cycle. The 2026 deadline was April 30.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide curriculum alignment documents and letters of support for Nebraska schools.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Nebraska standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
Get the Grant Guide
