From the economic crash and unending news of job loss to this month's tragic events in Haiti, the past year's dinner conversations in my house often focus on ways to give back to the community. This year, Pepsi can help make their – and your friends' and families' – ideas happen with the Pepsi Refresh Project.



Through the Pepsi Refresh Project, Pepsi will give away more than $20 million dollars to fund projects – both big and small – that help make communities better. The company invested significant resources, and opted not to advertise at the Superbowl this year, in order to support meaningful social engagement. Whether a local playground needs an upgrade to make it more handicapped accessible; a park needs new lights or speed bumps to make it safer; or your favorite library needs new computers, Pepsi wants to hear what needs they can help fulfill for you and your community.

Each month, you have the opportunity to submit a project in one of six categories: health, arts & culture, food & shelter, the planet, neighborhood, or education. Then, at the end of the month, Pepsi will post the top submissions on their website and let the public vote on who should win grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 (totaling up to $1.3 million dollars!)

You can get involved in the Pepsi Refresh Project in two ways beginning February 1. If you and your family have a fantastic idea for an improvement you'd like to see in your community, submit it for consideration for the March round of grants. You can also visit RefreshEverything.com and vote for your favorite submissions for February's grants. With so many fun creative, unique and meaningful ways to give back, we think it's fantastic Pepsi wants to help.