As part of its mission, CREF is dedicated to supporting research related to compost. CREF funds new research projects and also offers scholarships to students doing research projects at their colleges and universities. Help support compost research by bidding on the different silent auction items.

CREF is nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

For 28 years, the Compost Research & Education Foundation has focused on supporting initiatives that enhance the stature and practices of the composting industry by supporting scientific research, increasing awareness, and educating practitioners and the public to advance environmentally and economically sustainable organics recycling. The Foundation funds compost-related research projects, offers research scholarships to college students, runs International Compost Awareness Week in the US and runs educational training courses, including the COTCs, across the country. CREF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the organization relies on funding from donations, sponsors and grants.