Avanti West Coast unveils latest funding scheme to support community projects
Avanti West Coast is inviting applications for the latest round of its Customers and Communities Improvement Fund.
- Customers and Communities Improvement Fund designed to support local initiatives
- Funding pot aims to bring positive change in regions across Avanti West Coast route
- Customers, community groups and charities invited to share ideas for projects
Avanti West Coast has launched a new funding scheme to improve stations and make a positive impact in communities across its network.
The Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF) is inviting applications for projects which benefit stations, addressing regeneration challenges and social needs across the regions served by Avanti West Coast.
This is the sixth round of funding Avanti West Coast has made available as part of the CCIF to support charitable and community initiatives across its network. Funding will be awarded to successful bidders over one year.
Customers, stakeholders, community groups, and charities are encouraged to submit ideas which can bring positive change to people and places located within three miles of stations on the West Coast Main Line, that stretches from London to Scotland and North Wales.
The intercity operator is keen to receive submissions that contribute to one of the following:
- Make railway stations more vibrant and add value to the local area.
- Improve the availability of rail travel to vulnerable or hard to reach parts of the community.
- Bring people together to generate connections and opportunities.
Applications should consider the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals – a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. This plan helped shape Avanti West Coast’s thinking as to how the CCIF can play a role in making a difference – from creating inclusive, prosperous and connected communities to promoting a more sustainable future.
Joanna Buckley, Community Manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “Our Customer and Communities Improvement Fund gives those along the West Coast Main Line the opportunity to shape how the railway benefits local communities. By investing and supporting community projects, we aim to bring positive change across our route.
“We would love our customers, stakeholders and local groups to apply for funding, so we can help deliver initiatives that matter most to the people and places we serve.”
For more information about CCIF and guidance on how to apply for a share of the fund, visit: https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/about-us/sustainability/community-hub/ccif
The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Friday 9 January 2026.
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About Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast, operator of intercity rail services on the West Coast Main Line, is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, delivering a cleaner, greener railway that drives the West Coast forward. Avanti West Coast serves key UK cities, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow as well as North Wales.
We’re on a mission to be the transport of choice – connecting customers and communities along the West Coast. Our award-winning Pendolino refurbishment programme transformed the UK’s hardest working fleet with all 56 of the iconic trains providing best-in-class comfort.
Our Evero fleet, which offers more seats, improved comfort, and a substantial cut to carbon emissions, was introduced in June 2024 and is the result of a £350m investment in sustainable travel. Built by Hitachi, the 23-strong fleet, consisting of 10 seven-carriage electric trains and 13 five-carriage bi-modes, serves routes from London to the Midlands, Chester, North Wales and the North West.
We want to make a positive difference to the people and places we serve – helping to drive economic growth, green travel, and break down barriers. Our efforts to contribute to society and enable people to benefit from the opportunities rail offers through purpose-led initiatives including Feel Good Field Trips and award-winning female driver recruitment campaign has seen us create over £1billion in social value impact.
We’re tackling climate change wherever we can, from reducing energy and water use to training drivers in eco-driving techniques and sourcing food and drink from local suppliers. Our goal is to be net zero carbon by 2031. We’re on track.
For the latest news, visit the Avanti West Coast Media Centre: https://newsdesk.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/