Community groups, charities and social enterprises in Hitchin and across Hertfordshire are being encouraged to apply for a share of a major grants fund launched by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the operator behind Great Northern and Thameslink services.

The 2026/27 'Your Station, Your Community' fund is now open for applications, offering grants of up to £50,000 for projects that improve lives in towns served by the rail network – including Hitchin, Letchworth, Baldock and Stevenage.

The fund, now in its fourth year, has already distributed £1.26 million to good causes across the region.

Green projects among previous winners

One of the more eye-catching past recipients is the Travelling Garden – a project run by Cambridge Sustainable Food, whose volunteers cycle a custom cargo bike loaded with tools and plants to stations across Cambs, Herts and Beds.

The mobile team has already travelled 360 miles, installing colourful garden boxes and helping local volunteers spruce up platforms and station forecourts.

Senior project manager Gemma Hose said the support from GTR had helped "bring communities together through nature and food" and shine a light on local environmental issues.

Who can apply?

GTR is inviting organisations to submit bids for projects that support:

• Mental health and wellbeing
• Employability and new skills
• Diversity and inclusion
• Environmental sustainability
• Improving station environments

In addition to the main grants, GTR will also offer Station Partner Support Grants for arts, creative, environmental and horticultural projects.

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Strong track record

Since the scheme launched in 2022, the fund has attracted 862 applications, with an average award of £15,558.

Rob Whitehead, GTR's Community Engagement Manager, said: "Over the past three years, the Your Station, Your Community fund has supported projects that have created amazing community impact and generated real social value. We want to directly support and contribute to the wider communities we serve – whether through social work, encouraging new skills, or simply making somewhere a better place to be."

Deadline for applications

Applications for the 2026/27 funding round close at midnight on Tuesday 9 December 2025.

Hitchin groups interested in applying can find full details on GTR's website. If your organisation is working on a project that could brighten Hitchin's station, boost wellbeing, or support local people, this could be a significant opportunity.