I must have trains on my brain this week. My family has always been interested in trains. Under my sons’ bed you will find enough wooden railroad tracks to rival our local light rail system. This week spent an evening watching a public television program on James J. Hill the “Empire Builder.” So it was nice to discover that our nation’s rail systems do more that move people and cargo, they also help improve organizations within our communities, as I learned from this week’s pick.

The Community-Based Grant Program of the Union Pacific Foundation (UPF) provides capacity building funding to nonprofit organizations in communities along their railway system. Their primary interest is in helping organizations to “build capacity, increasing their impact, and operate more efficiently and effectively.” Particular notice will be given to groups whose activities fall into the categories of Community and Civic, Fine Arts and Health and Human Services.

Applicants must use the online open application process starting with a one-page Preliminary Application Form. If UPF wishes to explore your request further you will be asked to submit a full application. Full applications must be received by August 15, 2007. For more information on this opportunity please go to http://www.up.com/found/grants.shtml.