Pepsi Refresh Project Helps You Give Back

Just turn on the news and you are hit with the reality that there is a lot of need in this world. I know I constantly wonder how I can give back to the community. I think we all have wonderful ideas that we'd love to put into motion, but sometimes just one thing prevents us from doing so and that's funding.

I didn't really watch the Superbowl last year, but here's a story for you. Earlier this week, I was looking for a song that was stuck in my head and found out that it was from a Superbowl commercial from last year. It was the Pepsi one featuring the Bob Dylan and Will.i.am rendition of "Forever Young". Coincidentally, it was for Pepsi Refresh. This song just stuck in my head and whenever I felt down this past week, I'd play it.

This year, Pepsi has opted not to advertise during the Superbowl and here's why: The Pepsi Refresh Project. Through this project, Pepsi will give away more than $20,000,000 dollars to fund projects that help make communities better. Whether you need $5,000 or $250,000, this project can help you, or the organization you work with, give back to your community. There is a video at http://www.refresheverything.com/ that explains it very well.

Each month, you can submit a project at their website found at http://www.refresheverything.com/. There are six categories: health, arts and culture, food and shelter, the planet, neighborhood and education. At the end of the month, Pepsi will post top submissions and the public can vote on the grant winners (totaling up to $1.3 million dollars).

Starting today, Feb. 1, you can submit your idea for the March round of grants. In addition, you can vote for February grants as well. You can also become a Facebook fan of the Pepsi Refresh Project. In addition, you can keep up with the project by following hashtag #pepsirefresh on Twitter. There is also a Pepsi Refresh Blog where you can find tips for submission and more.

Mom Central asked Lauren Hobart, Mom and CMO of Sparkling Brands at Pepsi why Pepsi Refresh is unique and she answered, "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."

Look around your community and ask yourself, "How can I give back?". Personally, I wish there was an area at our local park that catered to developmentally delayed toddlers. I envision lots of sensory boxes and easy access slides and play things for those on walkers or with mobility issues. What is your vision?

The main website for submissions and voting is http://www.refresheverything.com/.

Fine Print: 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.