Funder directory → Kansas → THE RAIL HERITAGE TRUST
Private foundation · PAOLA, KS · EIN 464327372THE RAIL HERITAGE TRUST
✓ Latest filing reports an application path
What an applicant should know first
Application path
Reported in the filing
Use the filing instructions below, then confirm the current process.
Reported deadline
APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED UNTIL 11:59 PM CST FEB 1 OF EACH YEAR.
Historical filing information; verify directly with the foundation.
Typical reported grant
$4,735–$25,200
Median $10,000 in the latest filing.
Typical grant
$4,735–$25,200
median $10,000
Giving (latest FY)
$250,000
20 grants · FY2026
Assets
$7,410,337
gives nationally
Looking beyond THE RAIL HERITAGE TRUST?
Use this filing as a starting point, then compare application-ready foundations aligned with your cause, location, and typical request size.
How to apply — from the foundation's own filing
Application form & materials: 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.
Contact: CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS FIRST OPTION · 702 BAPTISTE DRIVE, PAOLA, KS, 66071 · 9132949222
This is historical public-record information, not a current invitation or guarantee. Confirm the process, deadline, and eligibility directly with the foundation before applying.
| Grantee | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| NASHVILLE STEAM PRESERVATION SOCIETY · NASHVILLE, TN | LOCOMOTIVE 576 EECTRICAL COMPONENTS | $45,000 |
| OREGON RAIL HERITAGE FOUNDATION · PORTLAND, OR | WORK ON ORNS 197 LOCOMOTIVE | $27,000 |
| COLEBROOKDALE RAILROAD PRESERVATION TRUST · BOYERTOWN, PA | PULLMAN WOODLAND HEATING SYSTEM | $25,000 |
| MINNESOTA TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM INC · ST PAUL, MN | PASSENGER CAR 1213 MODERNIZATION | $20,000 |
| WATAUGA VALLEY RR HIST SOCIETY & MUSEUM INC · JONESBOROUGH, TN | WORK ON CAR WATX 100 | $15,550 |
| WESTERN MICHIGAN SOCIETY FOR INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE · COOPERSVILLE, MI | PAINTING TWO CN COACHES | $15,000 |
| ADIRONDACK RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY · UTICA, NY | RETURN NYC RS3 8223 TO SERVICE | $11,100 |
| WEST CHESTER RAILROAD HERITAGE ASSOC · WEST CHESTER, PA | MAINTENANCE ON EX-READING MU CARS | $5,000 |
Frequently asked about THE RAIL HERITAGE TRUST
Does THE RAIL HERITAGE TRUST accept grant applications?
Its FY2026 IRS filing does not mark giving as limited to preselected recipients and reports an application path. Filing information is historical, so confirm current eligibility directly with the foundation.
How do I apply to THE RAIL HERITAGE TRUST?
The FY2026 filing reports: APPLICATION IS AVAILABLE AT: FIRSTOPTIONBANK.COM/ABOUT-US/ FOUNDATIONS-AND-SCHOLARSHIPS/ SUBMIT ONLINE TO: APPLICATION@EMERYRAILHERITAGETRUST.ORG. EMAIL QUESTIONS TO QUESTIONS@EMERYRAILHERITAGETRUST.ORG.
What is the THE RAIL HERITAGE TRUST grant application deadline?
The FY2026 filing reports: APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED UNTIL 11:59 PM CST FEB 1 OF EACH YEAR.
How much does THE RAIL HERITAGE TRUST typically award?
Its FY2026 filing shows a typical grant range of $4,735–$25,200 and a median grant of $10,000. These are historical reported grants, not a promised future award.
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Source: IRS Form 990-PF e-file disclosure, fiscal year 2026 (public record under 26 U.S.C. §6104). Filings lag by their nature — verify current priorities and procedures with the foundation before applying. Represent this foundation and see an error? Tell us with the correction and source filing.