Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF)

Award: range is typically $50,000 - $500,000 depending on scope
Deadline: December 1, 2026
Interested? Notify [email protected]​​ for more information. All LOI documents will be due to our office no later than November 24.

Link to Full Request for Proposal (RFP)

Overview

Funder seeks to support research that strengthens sustainable solid waste management and improves environmental outcomes across the waste and recycling industry. The foundation funds projects that address key knowledge gaps in areas such as waste generation, collection systems, recycling and organics recovery, landfilling, emerging contaminants, and the environmental impacts of solid waste practices. Strong fits include engineering, environmental science, public health, chemistry, policy analysis, and data‑driven studies that tackle real‑world waste challenges. Projects may range from fundamental research to applied studies with direct industry relevance, but all proposals should clearly define the problem, research objectives, methods, anticipated outcomes, and how results will benefit the solid waste field.

Important Information

Funder prioritizes feasibility, applied relevance, and measurable impact, and interdisciplinary or industry‑partnered proposals tend to be competitive.

If you are considering an application in which you are the Principal Investigator, please ensure you meet PI eligibility requirements.

Process

This is a two-step application process.

• The Letter of Intent (LOI/step 1) is managed by the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations.
• If you would like to apply, email [email protected]​​​ for more details and an LOI worksheet.
  Submit the completed LOI worksheet by November 24.
  If invited to submit a full proposal (step 2), it will be managed by the Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA).

Please share this opportunity with the appropriate mem