You may have read that Pepsi is not advertising in the Super Bowl this year. (The only exception is the Doritos brand.) Instead they have decided to invest their resources – over $20 million – to fund community projects through the Pepsi Refresh Project
Pepsi wants to fund great ideas
Pepsi is looking for people, businesses, and non-profits with ideas that will have a positive impact and are asking people to look around their communities to think about how they want to change it.
This could be anything from upgrading a worn out playground or ball field to starting a food bank in your community. Maybe your child’s school would like to start a greenhouse project like my kids’ school does. Or maybe your senior center needs a new roof or van. Whatever it is Pepsi wants to hear what your community needs so they can help.
How to participate
Each month, you have the opportunity to submit a proposal in one of six categories: health, arts & culture, food & shelter, the planet, neighborhood, or education. (Grants range from $5,000 to $250,000.)At the end of the month, Pepsi will post the top submissions on RefreshEverything.com and let the public vote on the winners.
This month, visit RefreshEverything.com and vote for your favorite submissions for February's grants. You can also connect with the Pepsi Refresh program via Twitter @Pepsi, on Facebook or on the Refresh Everything blog.
For more information:
- Submission kit for tips [PDF]
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Official Application Guidelines
- Send Pepsi Refresh an email
- Call Pepsi Refresh at 1-800-768-2784
Mom Central interviews Lauren Hobart, mom and CMO of Sparking Brands at Pepsi
Why is Pepsi Refresh Unique?
The program is unique because it puts the power in the hands of the consumer. Individuals submit their ideas and then the nation votes on the idea that moves them the most. This is done in a very ground up way. Essentially, we’ve democratized the process.
What are some exciting ideas you hope to see submitted through the PRP this year?
We’re excited to see the range of ideas that are submitted through the program. There are six different categories, and we want ideas across all of them. So far we’ve seen a fantastic response to the program. Within the first week we received over 1000 ideas, which came from every state and every age group.
As a Mom what types of lessons do you hope children learn by getting involved in community projects?
Parents want to instill good values in their children and encourage them to act on their ideas and beliefs. As a Mom myself, I’ve shared this program with other moms in my community and have found that it sparks a cord with everyone. I’ve also seen my own children get very excited about it. I think it just feels right to them.
What is your advice for moms that have ideas about refreshing their communities? What level of grant is idea? How should they craft their submissions?
First figure out the size and scope of the idea. Most individuals should opt for the $5000 grant, but it really depends on the idea and who you’ll be working with to bring it to action. People should also remember that winning comes with the responsibility to bringing you idea to life. If you need inspiration, there are example ideas on the Pepsi Refresh website to help get you started as well as a toolkit that guides you through the application process.
Who are the ideal grant applicants?
There isn’t really an ideal applicant. Anyone over 13 and a US resident can submit an application for the program. That said, people who are tapped into many different networks and able to promote and share their ideas once submitted may have the best chance of success.
Who should be involved in the submission process? If my child has an idea, should she submit it, or should I, or should her teacher help?
Young children, particularly those under 13 years old, should work with parents or teacher. Pepsi Refresh offers an amazing opportunity for a teaching moment with parents since you can get your kids to think about what impact they can have how they can make a difference. The program can get them engaged, thinking and talking about their impact on the world in a whole new way.
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Disclosure: I wrote this post while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Pepsi Refresh. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.
I also have a working relationship with Pepsi having been invited to their headquarters in Chicago as part of a Quaker Oats Living Proof Blogger Event, invited to speak at their blogger panel, Dad is the New Mom, at SXSW 2009, and participating in the Common Threads event with Quaker. I have also done giveaways of Pepsi and Quaker products on my blogs.
