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The Marketing Research Education Foundation (MREF) runs the Everyday Hero award and Philanthropic Company of the Year award. Awards are open to any individual, practicing marketing researcher, brand, or marketing research services provider from any and all countries globally who have contributed significantly to a nonprofit or community in need, or otherwise fit the category as outlined in the category descriptions.

The MREF Philanthropic Company of the Year award is given to a marketing research company that leads by example in the giving of time and financial resources in relation to the size of their organization.

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• Volunteers – encourages philanthropy, supporting its employees to go above and beyond to make a significant contribution to our world.

• Is philanthropic in its community – displays philanthropic leadership in its community.

• Gives of its resources – financially supports its causes for a lasting impact.

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The MREF Everyday Hero award is given to a researcher who is making a difference in or outside of their community but who may not be getting the accolades they deserve. This individual is impacting their world through efforts such as:

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• Volunteering at a worthy nonprofit.

• Doing the behind-the-scenes work an organization depends on.

• Leading and encouraging others to give back through volunteering or other efforts.

Nominees must be currently employed by an insights or market research firm or work within an insights or market research department of a corporation. 

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Details on the 2026 MREF Awards will be released later this year.