2026 Benchmark Awards

2026 Benchmark Awards

Funder: Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF)

Status: Applications open January 20, 2026; deadline June 30, 2026

Geographic Scope: United States (high school and college programs)

Focus Areas: Collision repair education programs

Program Description:
CREF's Benchmark Awards provide funding to high school and college collision repair educational programs to help instructors elevate their programs and enhance students' learning experiences. These awards recognize schools that excel at educating students in collision repair but require additional financial assistance due to strained school budgets.

What Funding Supports:

Tools and equipment

Educational supplies

Program enhancements and curriculum advancement

Technology and state-of-the-art repair procedures training

Materials to support student learning

Eligibility:

High school collision repair programs

College/community college collision repair programs

Programs must demonstrate commitment to collision repair education

Historical Impact:

Over 16 years of funding, nearly 1,200 Benchmark Awards distributed

Over $5 million total distributed since program inception in 2009

2025: 104 programs awarded $726,500 (record year)

Benefits over 5,300 students annually

Over 50,000 future industry professionals served

Additional Benefits:

Schools completing the application survey automatically gain access to The Donation Exchange powered by CREF

Non-selected applicants remain eligible to receive tools, equipment and supplies donated by industry sponsors

Contact Information:

Email: info@ed-foundation.org

Website: collisionrepaireducationfoundation.org

Address: 5125 Trillium Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

About CREF:
Founded in 1991, CREF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with career opportunities.