Deadline: 01-May-2026
The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) offers major private research funding in North America for projects advancing sustainable materials management. Its grants support research on greenhouse gas emissions, emerging contaminants, and materials circularity & recycling, with awards ranging from $15,000 to over $500,000.
What is the EREF Research Grant Program?
EREF funds research that addresses urgent environmental and waste management challenges.
Its current strategic research priorities are:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Emerging Contaminants
- Advancing Materials Circularity & Recycling
The program supports research that produces publicly available, unbiased results and contributes to better environmental practices and policies.
Funding Details
- Previous grant range: $15,000 to $500,000+
- Average grant amount: $160,000
- Overhead cap: Up to 25% of direct costs
- Cost sharing / external funding: Encouraged, but not required
Who is Eligible?
Applications are open to:
- U.S. institutions
- Non-U.S. institutions
- Non-academic organizations
Requirements:
- Principal investigators (PIs) must be qualified to conduct the research
- Multi-institution proposals are allowed
- Each PI may submit up to 2 pre-proposals per submission period
What Projects Are Supported?
EREF supports research that aligns with its environmental mission, especially projects related to:
- Waste and materials management
- Recycling systems
- Circular economy solutions
- Landfill and emissions research
- Contaminant detection or mitigation
- Sustainability-focused technical research
Educational components may also be considered if they strongly support EREF’s mission through:
- Partnerships
- Collaborations
- Applied research impact
What Projects Are Not Usually Funded?
EREF generally does not fund:
- Technology commercialization projects
- Start-up support
- Lobbying activities
- Extremely narrow-scope projects
How the Application Process Works
The application process has two stages:
- Submit a 2-page pre-proposal
This is reviewed by EREF staff and the Research Council. - If invited, submit a full proposal
Full proposals go through peer review by academic and non-academic experts. - Final funding decision
EREF’s Research Council recommends projects to the Board of Directors for final approval.
How to Apply
- Check fit with EREF priorities
Make sure your project matches at least one strategic research area. - Prepare a strong 2-page pre-proposal
Clearly explain the problem, research plan, and expected impact. - Limit PI submissions
Each PI can submit up to 2 pre-proposals. - If invited, prepare the full proposal
Include detailed budget, methods, and any cost-sharing or in-kind support. - Submit through EREF’s official process
Follow all current deadlines and proposal rules.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting projects outside EREF’s priority areas
- Proposing commercialization or start-up-focused work
- Ignoring the 25% overhead cap
- Sending weak pre-proposals without clear research impact
- Failing to show how results will be publicly available and unbiased
FAQ
1. What are EREF’s main research priorities?
Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Emerging Contaminants, and Advancing Materials Circularity & Recycling.
2. How much funding does EREF provide?
Past grants range from $15,000 to over $500,000, with an average of $160,000.
3. Can non-U.S. institutions apply?
Yes, both U.S. and non-U.S. institutions are eligible.
4. Can non-academic organizations apply?
Yes, non-academic organizations may apply if the PI is qualified.
5. Is cost sharing required?
No, but it is encouraged.
6. What is the first step in the application process?
Submit a 2-page pre-proposal.
7. Are overhead costs allowed?
Yes, but overhead is capped at 25% of direct costs.
Conclusion
The EREF Research Grant Program is a valuable funding opportunity for institutions and researchers working on sustainable materials management. If your project addresses emissions, contaminants, recycling, or circularity, and can produce strong, public-interest research, this grant is worth serious consideration.
For more information, visit EREF.
