The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) has been awarded a four-star rating from Charity Navigator (the highest achievable status) and the Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

GuideStar and Charity Navigator, assessment organizations that rate charities based on how they are managed, provide donors peace of mind that their money is going to a credible organization that uses donations as indicated. In order to qualify for the highest ratings, an organization must meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating that the majority of funds raised directly support programs rather than administration, sound financial health and ensuring transparency and accountability.

After receiving the Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, EREF became eligible to participate in the AmazonSmile program. When customers, who have selected EREF as their charity of choice, purchase an eligible item on smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates 0.5 percent of the item’s price to EREF.

"Over the years, EREF's presence within the waste industry has expanded substantially. Being named a top-tier charity opens up opportunities to increase awareness in other industries as well as the public,” said Jim Dowland, EREF Board of Directors chairman, in a statement. “I am proud to chair the board of an organization that continues to put its mission first."

Thanks to the continued generosity of donors and stakeholders, EREF will celebrate 25 years furthering solid waste research and education in 2019. Primarily through the support of the solid waste field, EREF has been able to achieve the highest levels of funding ever for its research, scholarship and data programs.

“In recent years, we have been able to award more grants and scholarships, provide a place for students to expand their education in solid waste and share the latest industry research,” said Bryan Staley, EREF’s president and CEO, in a statement. “Without the generosity of our donors, none of this would be possible. We are grateful to everyone who gives back and supports EREF.”

Funding for EREF’s programs supports research into sustainable solid waste practices including scholarships for graduate students, grants, undergraduate internships and educational summits and webinars.