CREF University Scholarship Application Requirements

CREF University Scholarships support students conducting research in composting and compost use. Please review the requirements below before submitting your application.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 at midnight PST

CREF uses a fully digital application, allowing applicants to enter project details directly into the form and upload supporting materials, no paper submissions are required.

How to Apply

Complete the online application and upload all required documents before the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required Application Sections

1) Applicant Information (Required)

Provide your complete contact details so we can communicate with you throughout the review process.

Include:

  • Legal full name (as it appears on university records)
  • Active email address
  • Direct phone number
  • Current mailing address

2) Academic Information (Required)

Include:

  • University/Institution
  • Degree Program
  • Degree Level
  • Expected Graduation Year
  • Faculty Advisor Name/Email

3) Project Information (Required)

Your narrative should be clear, focused, and concise. While suggested word limits are provided within each section to help guide your responses, you may adjust the length of individual sections as needed — as long as the overall Project Information section does not exceed 1,500 words. 

Project Title

Create a descriptive title that clearly reflects your research.

Project Summary / Description (~500 words)

Explain your research in a way that both technical reviewers and industry professionals can understand.

Include examples such as:

  • The problem your research addresses
  • Why it matters to the composting industry
  • Your research methodology
  • Target environment (farm, lab, municipal system, etc.)

Research Focus Areas (~250 words)

Describe how your work advances compost science or use.
Examples:

  • Drought resilience using compost
  • Soil health and microbial activity
  • Compost use in erosion control
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Compost use in urban agriculture
  • Contaminant reduction or material safety

Project Timeline (~250 words)

Outline major phases of your research.

Example timeline:

  • Spring: Soil sampling and baseline testing
  • Summer: Field trials and compost application
  • Fall: Data analysis
  • Winter: Final report and presentation

Expected Outcomes / Deliverables (~500 words)

Explain what your research will produce.

Examples:

  • Published research paper
  • Field data and economic analysis
  • Application guidelines for growers or municipalities
  • Compost rate recommendations
  • Industry-ready best practices

4) Budget (Required)

Explain how you will use the funds.

Examples of eligible expenses:

  • Laboratory testing
  • Field equipment or supplies
  • Compost materials
  • Data collection tools
  • Student research wages
  • Travel directly related to the research

Example:
“Funds will support soil nutrient testing and microbial analysis across three trial sites to measure compost performance under drought conditions.”

You will also be asked whether matching funds are being used.

5) Supporting Materials (Uploads Required)

Upload the following documents directly within the application:

Letter of Recommendation (Required)

  • Typically from a faculty advisor, department chair, or research supervisor
  • Should address your academic ability and research potential

Resume or CV (Optional)
Include relevant experience such as:

  • Research projects
  • Publications
  • Internships
  • Academic honors
  • Compost or sustainability-related work

Additional Supporting Documents (Optional)
Examples may include:

  • Research abstracts
  • Published papers
  • Portfolio of related work
  • Data samples

6) Applicant Certification & Consent (Required)

Before submitting, you must:

  • Certify that all information provided is accurate and complete
  • Grant permission for CREF to reference your name, university, and project in promotional or educational communications if selected

Strong Applications Typically Demonstrate

While not required, competitive applications often show:

  • Clear connection to real-world compost challenges
  • Practical industry benefit
  • Measurable outcomes
  • Strong faculty support
  • Well-defined methodology
  • Realistic budget

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application here by April 15, 2026 at midnight PST. Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

We look forward to supporting the next generation of compost researchers and advancing the science that strengthens soils, conserves water, and builds a more sustainable future.

Scholarship recipients are encouraged to publish results of their research in a suitable peer reviewed research journal (e.g., Waste Management, Compost Science & Utilization, etc.). If recipients need assistance in preparing such, kindly contact the CREF Board of Trustees at info@compostfoundation.org and appropriate assistance will be rendered.