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Collision Repair Education Foundation (formerly I-CAR Education Foundation)

Annual Giving
$0.8M
Grant Range
$3K - $0.0M
Decision Time
4mo
Success Rate
75%

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $771,000+ in direct grants (2024), plus $12 million+ in-kind donations
  • Success Rate: High - over 100 schools funded annually
  • Decision Time: 3-5 months (applications late January, awards announced November)
  • Grant Range: $3,000 - $25,000 for schools; $750 - $5,000 for students
  • Geographic Focus: United States and Canada

Contact Details

Website: https://www.collisionrepaireducationfoundation.org/
Phone: 888-722-3787
Email: [email protected]
Address: 5125 Trillium Blvd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

For Development Inquiries:
Brandon Eckenrode, Executive Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (847) 463-5244

Overview

The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), formerly known as I-CAR Education Foundation, was founded in 1991 and operates under EIN 36-3768028. The organization transformed into a traditional philanthropic organization in 2008, partnering with industry donors to support collision repair education programs. In 2024, CREF distributed over $771,000 in direct grants to schools and students, plus more than $12 million in in-kind donations of equipment, software, and materials. The foundation's mission is to support collision repair educational programs, schools, and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with career opportunities in the collision repair industry. Since the Benchmark Awards program launched in 2009, CREF has distributed more than $5 million to schools training over 50,000 students.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Benchmark Grants for Schools: $3,000 - $25,000
The flagship program recognizes schools excelling in collision repair education that need financial assistance for teaching materials, tools, equipment, and supplies. Applications open late January with a June 28 deadline. Awards announced in November. In 2024, 80 schools received $536,000 in funding, supporting over 4,000 students. Schools can apply through an online application process.

Student Scholarships and Tool Grants: $750 - $5,000
Annual scholarships and tool grants for high school and college students pursuing careers in collision repair. Multiple sponsors fund various awards including tuition scholarships and complete tool kits. Applications open in January with a March 6 deadline. Awards announced in June. In 2024, 90 students received over $235,000, with over two-thirds awarded to women and minorities.

In-Kind Donations
CREF facilitates distribution of donated equipment, software subscriptions (Audatex, CCC, Mitchell), quarter panels, safety equipment, and other materials. Over $12 million in in-kind donations distributed in 2024.

Priority Areas

  • Secondary (high school) collision repair programs
  • Post-secondary (community college and technical school) collision repair programs
  • Student financial aid for tuition and tools
  • Instructor continuing education
  • Curriculum product purchases
  • Equipment and tool acquisition for hands-on learning
  • Program recruitment and promotion materials
  • Schools demonstrating excellence despite budget constraints
  • Diversity and inclusion in collision repair careers (emphasis on supporting women and minorities)

What They Don't Fund

  • Gifts designated for specific named individuals for personal benefit (not tax-deductible as charitable contribution per Scholarship Distribution Policy)
  • Programs or organizations outside collision repair education
  • Grants to regions with only one school (exceptions may be granted if approved by Selection Committee)
  • Operating expenses or salaries
  • Gifts that do not align with the foundation's mission

Governance and Leadership

2025 Executive Committee

  • Chair: Brenda Hogen (Parts Trader)
  • Vice-Chair: Stacy Bartnik (Intertek)
  • Treasurer: Mark Verbois (Enterprise Holdings)
  • Secretary: Sandee Lindorfer (Allstate Insurance Company)
  • Trustee-at-Large: Chris Dewes (PPG Industries)
  • Trustee-at-Large: Kayla Williams Clark (Classic Collision)
  • Immediate Past Chair: Steve Schmidt (State Farm)

Leadership Quotes

Brenda Hogen, Board Chair: "As the chair of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, my primary goal this year is to advance our mission of supporting and enhancing collision repair education."

When Brandon Eckenrode was promoted to Executive Director, she stated: "It's been a pleasure working with Brandon over the past few years. His dedication and industry knowledge are second to none."

Brandon Eckenrode, Executive Director: "We continually discuss the need for more technicians, estimators, and other industry professionals, but instead of just thinking about it and talking about it, it's time to DO something about it!"

In describing the foundation's impact, Eckenrode noted: "We were very fortunate through our industry partners to have awarded over $600,000, nearly $700,000, out to the schools," highlighting the real-world challenges schools face: "150 students in his collision program this year, but his total collision budget is $3,000."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Benchmark Grants (Schools):
Applications open late January annually through an online application process. Completing CREF's online application qualifies collision schools to receive up to $25,000 in funding. The application involves advisory committees who play a significant role in guiding the process. Deadline: June 28. Schools in the United States and Canada offering collision repair programs are eligible.

Student Scholarships and Tool Grants:
Applications open in January through CREF's website. Both high school and post-secondary students pursuing collision repair careers are eligible. Deadline: March 6.

Decision Timeline

Benchmark Grants: Applications close June 28; awards determined in late summer/early fall; announcements typically made in November

Student Scholarships: Applications close March 6 (early March); winners chosen and notified by phone or mail in April-May; formal announcements in June

Success Rates

While exact percentages are not published, the foundation demonstrates strong success rates:

  • In 2024: 80 schools received Benchmark Grants totaling $536,000
  • In 2023: 109 schools received $668,500
  • Over 100 schools receive funding annually
  • One educator testified: "Over the years, even going back to 2008 when I was a student, we've applied for CREF's Benchmark Grants and received a ton of support every year," suggesting strong success for consistent applicants

For student scholarships, 90 students received funding in 2024 out of eligible programs nationwide (1,400+ collision education programs exist).

Reapplication Policy

No explicit restrictions on reapplication have been published. Evidence suggests schools can and do apply annually, with some receiving support year after year. Schools and students are encouraged to apply each cycle.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrate Excellence Despite Budget Constraints: CREF specifically seeks "schools that have been doing excellent work both for students and local collision repair businesses, despite budget cuts most technical education programs have suffered." Schools should articulate their achievements while clearly demonstrating financial need.

Engage Advisory Committees: Advisory committees play a significant role in guiding the application process. Schools with active industry advisory boards that can support their application have an advantage. This "fosters a collaborative environment that benefits students and the industry alike."

Specify Equipment and Program Needs: The Benchmark Grant program allows schools to "apply for the support that they need" - successful applications clearly identify specific tools, equipment, curriculum materials, or resources that will enhance student learning.

Show Industry Connections: Applications strengthened by demonstrating connections to working technicians and industry partners. CREF values programs that facilitate connections between students and potential employers.

Alignment with Sponsored Grants: Many grants come from specific industry sponsors (State Farm, Farmers Insurance, GEICO, etc.). Understanding sponsor priorities and demonstrating alignment can strengthen applications.

Student Impact: Successful applications articulate how funding will directly benefit students' hands-on learning experience and career preparation. Examples include schools using grants to "build a recruitment video that they are now using to promote their collision program."

Diversity and Inclusion: In 2024, over two-thirds of student scholarship recipients were women and minorities, indicating CREF's commitment to diversifying the collision repair workforce.

Recent Examples of Funded Projects:

  • LoGuidice Educational Center: $25,000 grant (State Farm)
  • JB Hensler College and Career Academy: $5,000 (Farmers Insurance)
  • William M. Davies Career and Technical High School: $5,000 (Columbus Collision Education Group)
  • Waite High School: $5,000 (Columbus Collision Education Group)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Apply annually with confidence - The foundation funds over 100 schools per year with strong support for returning applicants who demonstrate continued need and excellence
  • Be specific about equipment and resource needs - The foundation values applications that clearly identify how funding will be used to enhance hands-on learning
  • Emphasize budget constraints alongside program excellence - Successful applications demonstrate both achievement and financial need
  • Leverage industry connections - Advisory committee involvement and industry partnerships strengthen applications significantly
  • Timeline is critical - January application opening, late June deadline, November announcements means planning ahead is essential
  • Multiple funding sources available - Beyond Benchmark Grants, explore sponsored grants, in-kind donations, and partnerships with specific industry donors
  • Consider regional/sponsor targeting - Many grants come from specific sponsors who may prioritize certain geographic regions or program types
  • Student scholarships offer additional support - Don't overlook encouraging students to apply individually for scholarships and tool grants

References

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