Times are tough. For everyone. In the last our library has taken huge hits. The book purchasing funds are have been cut, training opportunities are to be paid for by that person and I’m expecting this year to see even more cuts happening. Last year, I was really worried about if I’d have a job…and now that we are in the new year, I have to tell you, I’m not looking forward to the budget planning. I love my job, I want to keep my job. It’s not just affecting our town, libraries all across the country are being forced to cut staff, hours, or even close.
Pepsi is stepping up to the plate. They’ve created the Pepsi Refresh Project, and they’ll be giving away more than $20 million dollars. Pepsi has opted out of advertising at the Super Bowl this year, instead focusing on communities…and how to help them. They will be giving away money for grants to fund community projects. Each month ten grants for $5K, $25K and $50K and two $250K grants will be awarded. That’s a cool $1.3 million donated each month!
There isn’t a community out there that isn’t in need of one thing or another. The Pepsi Refresh Project allows the entire community to get involved. From the library to the parks…and everything in between. By submitting your idea, you are giving back to your community!
There are 6 categories to choose from:
- Health
- Arts and Culture
- Food and Shelter
- The Planet
- Neighborhoods
- Education
The first round of submissions have already happened and voting begins today, February 1st. Vote for 10 of your favorites every day. Spread the word! If you have an idea you’d like to submit, get to it. Head over to the Pepsi Refresh Project, you’ll find all of the necessary paperwork. 1000 submissions will be accepted each month, with voting then to start at the end of the month.
Mom Central has provided me with an interview to share. They had the the opportunity to interview Lauren Hobart, Mom and Chief Marketing Officer of Sparking Brands at Pepsi about the program.
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.
Do something good for your community! Get those submissions in…the sky is the limit! Don’t forget to keep up to date with the Pepsi Refresh Project by following their blog, on Twitter and Facebook.
**I wrote this review 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.**
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