The Rail Heritage Trust | Foundation Profile

GrantBay analyzes IRS Form 990-PF data to help grant seekers find fit funders like The Rail Heritage Trust. Data shown is extracted from Form 990-PF filings.

EIN: 46-4327372

Foundation Overview

Based in Paola, KS, The Rail Heritage Trust has awarded 179 grants totaling $2,425,000 to organizations in Kansas, New Jersey and 24 other states across the US. Individual grants range from $1,000 to $50,000, with a median award of $12,000.

Latest Tax Year
2024
Total Giving (all years)
$2,425,000
Total Assets
$6,407,875
Median Grant (all grants)
$12,000

Latest Form 990-PF Snapshot

Total Grants
36
Median Grant
$15,000
% No Significant Change
0% (vs previous year)
Data extracted from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Last filing year: March 2026

Foundation Intelligence

Advanced analytics and strategic insights to help nonprofit organizations assess grant opportunities and optimize their application strategies

New Applicant Friendliness
Balanced Approach: 50%

18 of 36 recipients (50%) were new grantees. Foundation maintains loyal partnerships while remaining open to qualified new applicants with strong proposals.

Geographic Focus
Pennsylvania

Grants are geographically diversified with 11% in Pennsylvania and funding distributed across 26 total locations. This foundation values broad geographic impact and diverse community partnerships. Within Pennsylvania, funding concentrates in Altoona (30%), Boyertown (20%), Bellefonte (10%).

Funding Trajectory
-23%

Declining funding trend with 23% decrease over 4 years may indicate reduced grant opportunities or shifting foundation priorities. This trajectory suggests more competitive application environment.

Program Areas
General Purposes + 2 others

Diversified giving across multiple program areas with primary emphasis on general purposes (98%). This broad approach suggests openness to various causes and innovative cross-sector solutions.

Where is The Money Going?

Loading geographic data...
Loading chart...
Loading chart...
Loading chart...

Grants & Funding

Analyzing past grantees provides valuable insights into The Rail Heritage Trust's funding preferences, organizational priorities, and grant making patterns. This historical data helps potential applicants understand the foundation's strategic focus and identify successful funding approaches.

Name Amount Location Purpose Year
Bellefonte Historical Rr Society Inc $13,100 Bellefonte, PA, US Excursion Rev, Donations, Memberships, Souvenir 2024
Black River Railroad Historical Trust Inc $11,000 Point Pleasant Boro, NJ, US Passenger Train Ticket Sales 2024
Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust $15,000 Boyertown, PA, US Pullman Roof Repair 2024
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc $15,000 New Haven, IN, US Grants, Foundations & Ticketing 2024
Fox River Trolley Association Inc $10,000 South Elgin, IL, US Ticket Sales And Private Donors 2024
Iron Horse Society At Steamtorn Incorporated $15,000 Scranton, PA, US Excursion/event Ticket Sales 2024
Iron Mountain Railway $2,600 Jackson, MO, US Train Ticket Sales 2024
National Railway Historical Society $8,800 Washington, DC, US Operation Revenues, Private Donations 2024
Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad Inc $15,000 Noblesville, IN, US Ticket Sales, Food & Beverage Sales, Fees 2024
Northwest Railway Museum $7,500 Snoqualmie, WA, US Passenger Train Revenue, Public & Private Gra 2024
Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation $27,000 Portland, OR, US Grants, Donations, Holiday Express Trains 2024
Railroading Heritage Of Midwest America Inc $10,000 Blaine, MN, US Donations, Annual Membership, Private Car 2024
Railway Restoration Project #113 $25,000 Minersville, PA, US Private & Public Donations, Ticket Sales, Nrhs 2024
San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society $10,000 Los Angeles, CA, US Membership, Donations & Grants 2024
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Inc $20,000 Chattanooga, TN, US Ticket Sales, Sponsorships And Donations 2024
Tri-state Railway Historical Society Inc $15,000 Bn, NJ, US Donations, Membership Dues, Excursions, Nrhs 2024
United Railroad Historical Society Of Nj Inc $15,000 Boonton, NJ, US Hudson River Rail Excursions 2024
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Development Corporation $15,000 Cumberland, MD, US Maryland Board Of Public Works 2024
Bellefonte Historical Rr Society Inc $13,100 Bellefonte, PA, US Excursion Rev, Donations, Memberships, Souvenir 2024
Black River Railroad Historical Trust Inc $11,000 Point Pleasant Boro, NJ, US Passenger Train Ticket Sales 2024
Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust $15,000 Boyertown, PA, US Pullman Roof Repair 2024
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc $15,000 New Haven, IN, US Grants, Foundations & Ticketing 2024
Fox River Trolley Association Inc $10,000 South Elgin, IL, US Ticket Sales And Private Donors 2024
Iron Horse Society At Steamtorn Incorporated $15,000 Scranton, PA, US Excursion/event Ticket Sales 2024
Iron Mountain Railway $2,600 Jackson, MO, US Train Ticket Sales 2024
National Railway Historical Society $8,800 Washington, DC, US Operation Revenues, Private Donations 2024
Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad Inc $15,000 Noblesville, IN, US Ticket Sales, Food & Beverage Sales, Fees 2024
Northwest Railway Museum $7,500 Snoqualmie, WA, US Passenger Train Revenue, Public & Private Gra 2024
Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation $27,000 Portland, OR, US Grants, Donations, Holiday Express Trains 2024
Railroading Heritage Of Midwest America Inc $10,000 Blaine, MN, US Donations, Annual Membership, Private Car 2024
Railway Restoration Project #113 $25,000 Minersville, PA, US Private & Public Donations, Ticket Sales, Nrhs 2024
San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society $10,000 Los Angeles, CA, US Membership, Donations & Grants 2024
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Inc $20,000 Chattanooga, TN, US Ticket Sales, Sponsorships And Donations 2024
Tri-state Railway Historical Society Inc $15,000 Bn, NJ, US Donations, Membership Dues, Excursions, Nrhs 2024
United Railroad Historical Society Of Nj Inc $15,000 Boonton, NJ, US Hudson River Rail Excursions 2024
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Development Corporation $15,000 Cumberland, MD, US Maryland Board Of Public Works 2024
Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad Association $5,000 Abilene, KS, US Engine/cars 2023
Adirondack Railway Preservation Society $10,000 Utica, NY, US Coach 2023
Austin Steam Train Association Incorporated $11,000 Cedar Park, TX, US Diesel Engine 2023
B&o Railroad Museum $10,000 Baltimore, MD, US Window Replacement 2023
Friends Of Sp 4449 Inc $15,000 Portland, OR, US Diner 2023
Illinois Railway Museum $25,000 Union, IL, US Milwaukee Road Coach 2023
Michigan State Trust For Railway Preservation Inc $15,000 Owasso, MI, US Coach 5447 2023
Branford Electric Railway Association Inc $6,000 East Haven, CT, US Car 709 2023
Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust $15,000 Boyertown, PA, US Pullman Roof Repair 2023
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc $15,000 New Haven, IN, US Coaches 2023
Gulf Coast Chapter National Railway Historical Society Inc $21,000 Houston, TX, US New Braunfels Coash 2023
Iron Mountain Railway $14,500 Jackson, MO, US Coach Roof Repair 2023
Kentucky Railway Museum Inc $23,000 Irvine, KY, US Oil Burner 2023
Midwest Railway Preservation Society Inc $15,000 Cleveland, OH, US Coach 90 2023
Railroad Museum Of New England Inc $18,500 Thomaston, CT, US Alco Diesel 2023
San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society $15,000 Los Angeles, CA, US Ptc For Engine #3751 2023
United Railroad Historical Society Of Nj Inc $15,000 Boonton, NJ, US Lounge Car 2023
Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation $1,000 Portland, OR, US Orn 197 Locomotive 2023
Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad Association $5,000 Abilene, KS, US Engine/cars 2023
Adirondack Railway Preservation Society $10,000 Utica, NY, US Coach 2023
Austin Steam Train Association Incorporated $11,000 Cedar Park, TX, US Diesel Engine 2023
B&o Railroad Museum $10,000 Baltimore, MD, US Window Replacement 2023
Friends Of Sp 4449 Inc $15,000 Portland, OR, US Diner 2023
Illinois Railway Museum $25,000 Union, IL, US Milwaukee Road Coach 2023
Michigan State Trust For Railway Preservation Inc $15,000 Owasso, MI, US Coach 5447 2023
Branford Electric Railway Association Inc $6,000 East Haven, CT, US Car 709 2023
Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust $15,000 Boyertown, PA, US Pullman Roof Repair 2023
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc $15,000 New Haven, IN, US Coaches 2023
Gulf Coast Chapter National Railway Historical Society Inc $21,000 Houston, TX, US New Braunfels Coash 2023
Iron Mountain Railway $14,500 Jackson, MO, US Coach Roof Repair 2023
Kentucky Railway Museum Inc $23,000 Irvine, KY, US Oil Burner 2023
Midwest Railway Preservation Society Inc $15,000 Cleveland, OH, US Coach 90 2023
Railroad Museum Of New England Inc $18,500 Thomaston, CT, US Alco Diesel 2023
San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society $15,000 Los Angeles, CA, US Ptc For Engine #3751 2023
United Railroad Historical Society Of Nj Inc $15,000 Boonton, NJ, US Lounge Car 2023
Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation $1,000 Portland, OR, US Orn 197 Locomotive 2023
Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad Association $15,000 Abilene, KS, US Coach 3464 2022
Danbury Railway Museum Inc $12,000 Danbury, CT, US Rdc #32 2022
East Troy Railroad Museum Inc $10,000 East Troy, WI, US Css&sb Car 107 2022
Friends Of Sp 4449 Inc $10,000 Portland, OR, US Sp 2395 Coach 2022
Illinois Railway Museum $10,000 Union, IL, US Coach 649 2022
Mid-continent Railway Historical Society Inc $10,000 North Freedom, WI, US Sleeping Car Duluth 2022
Nashville Steam Preservation Association $15,000 Nashville, KY, US Nc&stl 576 2022
Pacific Railroad Preservation Association Incorporated $10,500 Portland, OR, US Blowdown Valves 2022
Pacific Locomotive Association Inc $30,000 Sunol, CA, US Staybolts For Sp 1744 2022
Pacific Locomotive Association Inc $1,000 Sunol, CA, US Special Award 2022
Railroading Heritage Of Midwest America Inc $25,000 Inver Grove Heights, MN, US Hep Generator 2022
Railroaders Heritage Corporation $10,000 Altoona, PA, US Mountain View Maintenance 2022
Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum Inc $10,000 Jonesborough, TN, US Crr 100 Repair 2022
Rochester And Genesee Valley Railroad Museum $11,500 Rush, NY, US Stillwell Coach Renovation 2022
Southern Michigan Railroad Society Inc $10,000 Clinton, MI, US Emerald Vale Pullman Work 2022
Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration Inc $15,000 Baker City, OR, US Locomotive 19 2022
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Inc $20,000 Chattanooga, TN, US Dining Car 899 2022
United Railroad Historical Society Of Nj Inc $14,500 Boonton, NJ, US Hickory Creed Generator 2022
Michigan State Trust For Railway Preservation Inc $1,000 Owasso, MI, US Special Awaard 2022
Railroaders Heritage Corporation $1,000 Altoona, PA, US Special Aware 2022
National Railroad Museum Inc $8,500 Green Bay, WI, US Josephine Car 2022
Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad Association $15,000 Abilene, KS, US Coach 3464 2022
Danbury Railway Museum Inc $12,000 Danbury, CT, US Rdc #32 2022
East Troy Railroad Museum Inc $10,000 East Troy, WI, US Css&sb Car 107 2022
Friends Of Sp 4449 Inc $10,000 Portland, OR, US Sp 2395 Coach 2022
Illinois Railway Museum $10,000 Union, IL, US Coach 649 2022
Mid-continent Railway Historical Society Inc $10,000 North Freedom, WI, US Sleeping Car Duluth 2022
Nashville Steam Preservation Association $15,000 Nashville, KY, US Nc&stl 576 2022
Pacific Railroad Preservation Association Incorporated $10,500 Portland, OR, US Blowdown Valves 2022
Pacific Locomotive Association Inc $30,000 Sunol, CA, US Staybolts For Sp 1744 2022
Pacific Locomotive Association Inc $1,000 Sunol, CA, US Special Award 2022
Railroading Heritage Of Midwest America Inc $25,000 Inver Grove Heights, MN, US Hep Generator 2022
Railroaders Heritage Corporation $10,000 Altoona, PA, US Mountain View Maintenance 2022
Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum Inc $10,000 Jonesborough, TN, US Crr 100 Repair 2022
Rochester And Genesee Valley Railroad Museum $11,500 Rush, NY, US Stillwell Coach Renovation 2022
Southern Michigan Railroad Society Inc $10,000 Clinton, MI, US Emerald Vale Pullman Work 2022
Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration Inc $15,000 Baker City, OR, US Locomotive 19 2022
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Inc $20,000 Chattanooga, TN, US Dining Car 899 2022
United Railroad Historical Society Of Nj Inc $14,500 Boonton, NJ, US Hickory Creed Generator 2022
Michigan State Trust For Railway Preservation Inc $1,000 Owasso, MI, US Special Awaard 2022
Railroaders Heritage Corporation $1,000 Altoona, PA, US Special Aware 2022
National Railroad Museum Inc $8,500 Green Bay, WI, US Josephine Car 2022
Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad Association $15,000 Abilene, KS, US Coach 3464 2022
Danbury Railway Museum Inc $12,000 Danbury, CT, US Rdc #32 2022
East Troy Railroad Museum Inc $10,000 East Troy, WI, US Css&sb Car 107 2022
Friends Of Sp 4449 Inc $10,000 Portland, OR, US Sp 2395 Coach 2022
Illinois Railway Museum $10,000 Union, IL, US Coach 649 2022
Mid-continent Railway Historical Society Inc $10,000 North Freedom, WI, US Sleeping Car Duluth 2022
Nashville Steam Preservation Association $15,000 Nashville, KY, US Nc&stl 576 2022
Pacific Railroad Preservation Association Incorporated $10,500 Portland, OR, US Blowdown Valves 2022
Pacific Locomotive Association Inc $30,000 Sunol, CA, US Staybolts For Sp 1744 2022
Pacific Locomotive Association Inc $1,000 Sunol, CA, US Special Award 2022
Railroading Heritage Of Midwest America Inc $25,000 Inver Grove Heights, MN, US Hep Generator 2022
Railroaders Heritage Corporation $10,000 Altoona, PA, US Mountain View Maintenance 2022
Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum Inc $10,000 Jonesborough, TN, US Crr 100 Repair 2022
Rochester And Genesee Valley Railroad Museum $11,500 Rush, NY, US Stillwell Coach Renovation 2022
Southern Michigan Railroad Society Inc $10,000 Clinton, MI, US Emerald Vale Pullman Work 2022
Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration Inc $15,000 Baker City, OR, US Locomotive 19 2022
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Inc $20,000 Chattanooga, TN, US Dining Car 899 2022
United Railroad Historical Society Of Nj Inc $14,500 Boonton, NJ, US Hickory Creed Generator 2022
Michigan State Trust For Railway Preservation Inc $1,000 Owasso, MI, US Special Awaard 2022
Railroaders Heritage Corporation $1,000 Altoona, PA, US Special Aware 2022
National Railroad Museum Inc $8,500 Green Bay, WI, US Josephine Car 2022
Abilene Smoky Valley Railroad Association $20,000 Abilene, KS, US Track Repair 2021
Black River Railroad Historical Trust Inc $12,000 Ringoes, NJ, US Maintenance 2021
Cuyahoga Valley Preservation And Scenic Railway Association $15,000 Peninsula, OH, US Interior Renovation Of Silver Salon 2021
Friends Of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Inc $15,500 Cordele, GA, US Upgrades Samuel Hawkins & Us Army Hospital Cars 2021
Illinois Railway Museum $1,000 Union, IL, US Ca&e Interior Restoration 2021
Lake Superior Railroad Museum $15,000 Duluth, MN, US Reupholster Seats 2021
Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad Company $12,000 Duluth, MN, US Rebuild Locomotive 2021
Mid-continent Railway Historical Society Inc $15,000 North Freedom, WI, US Locomotive Restoration 2021
Midwest Railway Preservation Society Inc $10,000 Cleveland, OH, US Body And Mechanical Restoration 2021
Nashville Steam Preservation Association $29,000 Nashville, KY, US Maintenance 2021
New Mexico Steam Locomotive And Railroad Historical Society $10,000 Albuquerque, NM, US Sawmill Spur 2021
Pacific Railroad Preservation Association Incorporated $29,000 Portland, OR, US Maintenance 2021
Pacific Railroad Society Inc $15,000 San Dimas, CA, US Return To The Rails 2021
Railroading Heritage Of Midwest America Inc $31,000 Inver Grove Heights, MN, US Caritas Rescue And Return To Service 2021
Railroad Museum Of New England Inc $15,000 Thomaston, CT, US Restoration Of Thomaston Station 2021
Roanoke Chapter National Railway Nistorical Society $15,000 Roanoke, VA, US Maintenance 2021
West Chester Rr Heritage Assn $10,000 West Chester, PA, US Blueline Passenger Renovation 2021
Downeast Rail Heritage Preservation Trust $9,000 Hancock, ME, US Paint And Refinish Locomotive 2021
Ebt Foundation Inc $15,500 Rockhill Furace, PA, US M-1 Truck & Traction Maintenance 2021
Engine 557 Restoration Company $36,000 Wasilla, AK, US Install Tubers And Flues In Alaska Railroad 557 2021
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc $10,000 Fort Wayne, IN, US Maintenance And Repair 2021
Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum Inc $10,000 Jonesborough, TN, US Repair And Paint 2021
Austin Steam Train Association Incorporated $10,000 Cedar Park, TX, US Alco Rsd-15 Mechanical & Electrical 2020
East Broad Top Railroad Foundation Inc $15,000 Rockhill Furnace, PA, US M-1 Electric/roof/wheel Work 2020
East Troy Railroad Museum Inc $1,000 East Troy, WI, US Advisor Directed 2020
Friends Of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Inc $12,000 Cordele, GA, US Upgrades To 2 Passenger Cars 2020
Friends Of Sp 4449 Inc $22,000 Portland, OR, US Repairs To Passenger Car Fleet 2020
Heart Of Dixie Railroad Museum Inc $12,000 Calera, AL, US Alabama Club 2020
Kentucky Railway Museum Inc $12,000 New Haven, KY, US Repairs To Coach 884 For Excursion Use 2020
Kentucky Steam Heritage Corp $15,000 Irvine, KY, US Firebox Completion/replace Staybolt 2020
Lake Superior Railroad Museum $15,000 Duluth, MN, US Air Compressor For Dm&ir # 332 2020
Midwest Railway Preservation Socity Inc $15,000 Cleveland, OH, US Restoration Of Pullman Mt. Baxter 2020
Nashville Steam Preservation Society $40,000 Nashville, KY, US Rebuild Air Compressor 2020
New York Museum Of Transportation $5,000 West Henriette, NY, US Heating Elements On P&w Interurban 161 2020
New York Susquehanna & Western Technical $12,000 Phillipsburg, NJ, US Maint Of Passenger Coach #531 2020
Nrhs Washington Dc Chapter $12,000 Washington, DC, US Pc2a Inspection Of Dover Harbor 2020
Oregon Rail Heritage Fdn $1,000 Portland, OR, US Advisor Directed 2020
Pacific Rr Preservation Assn Incorporated $35,000 Portland, OR, US Special Grant 2020
Pacific Southwest Ry Museum $10,000 La Mesa, CA, US Restoration Of 2 Diesels 2020
Rochester & Genesee Valley Rr Museum $10,000 Rush, NY, US Erie Stillwell Coach Asbestos Abatement 2020
Smokey Hill Railway & Hist Soc Inc $1,000 Belton, MO, US Advisor Directed 2020
Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society $10,000 Jonesborough, TN, US Ac For Clinchfield Car 100 2020
West Chester Rr Heritage Assn $10,000 West Chestr, PA, US Coach Maintenance (int And Ext) 2020
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Develop Corp $50,000 Cumberland, MD, US Special Grant 2020

Foundations Similar to The Rail Heritage Trust

Discover 5 foundations with comparable assets ($6,330,718-$6,588,738), similar grant patterns, and geographic focus in KS that may also align with your organization's funding needs and grant seeking strategy.

Foundation Name Total Assets Typical Grant Size Service Area Similarity Match

EIN: 20-6567754 | 84 grants awarded
$6,454,519
(≈ Similar)
$10,000
median grant
Wichita, KS
Same state
100%
Excellent match

EIN: 46-1477968 | 84 grants awarded
$6,482,813
(≈ Similar)
$17,725
median grant
Wichita, KS
Same state
99%
Excellent match

EIN: 87-2366915 | 15 grants awarded
$6,330,718
(≈ Similar)
$10,000
median grant
Tipton, KS
Same state
99%
Excellent match

EIN: 43-1959201 | 60 grants awarded
$6,495,909
(≈ Similar)
$15,500
median grant
Arkansas City, KS
Same state
99%
Excellent match

EIN: 82-5189189 | 3 grants awarded
$6,588,738
(≈ Similar)
$14,000
median grant
Stilwell, KS
Same state
99%
Excellent match

Contact Information

Official contact details for The Rail Heritage Trust as registered with the IRS. These details are essential for grant applications, correspondence, and due diligence processes.

EIN 46-4327372
Website N/A
Address 702 BAPTISTE DR Paola, KS 66071-1337

Key People (1)

Board members, trustees, and key staff who oversee The Rail Heritage Trust's grant making decisions and strategic direction. Understanding leadership composition can provide insights into foundation priorities and potential networking opportunities.

Trustee First Option Bank

Forms 990-PF

IRS Form 990-PF filings provide comprehensive financial information, grant details, and operational data. These documents are essential resources for understanding foundation capacity, giving patterns, and strategic priorities.

Form 990-PF Research Tips
  • Review Part XV for detailed grant recipient information and funding purposes
  • Check Part I for total assets, annual giving amounts, and payout requirements
  • Examine Part VIII for key personnel compensation and board structure
  • Look for trends across multiple years to understand giving patterns

About This Foundation Profile

This comprehensive foundation profile for The Rail Heritage Trust is powered by Grant Bay's advanced foundation research platform. Our system analyzes IRS Form 990-PF filings, grant histories, and philanthropic patterns to provide nonprofit organizations with actionable intelligence for grant seeking success.

Data Sources & Accuracy

All information is derived from official IRS filings and public records. Grant Bay processes thousands of Form 990-PF documents to extract grant details, financial data, and organizational information. Data accuracy depends on foundation reporting quality and IRS filing completeness.

Research Applications

Use this profile for prospect research, grant strategy development, application preparation, and relationship building. Combine this data with additional research on foundation priorities, application processes, and board member backgrounds for comprehensive grant seeking strategies.

Data Currency: Last updated March 2026 based on IRS Form 990-PF filings. Foundation information reflects most recent available tax year data.