FAQs

• Did the Official Application Guidelines for the Pepsi Refresh Project recently change?

  Yes, as of June 1, 2010 we added some additional language to help ensure the fairness and integrity of the program.

• Did the submission form recently change?

  Yes, as of June 1, 2010 we added some additional fields to the submission form to help us contact potential Grant Receipts and provide greater details around budget planning.

• I've already completed my idea. Do I need to edit it in order to submit it?

  No, however we recommend that you do. If your application was created, finished and saved prior to June 1^st we will honor it.

• Is proxy voting allowed?

  Proxy voting is not allowed. We understand this may not have been clear within the original Application Guidelines, though always against the spirit and integrity of the program. As of June 1^st, any idea that uses proxy voting which includes but is not limited to creating multiple and/or dummy emails may be disqualified.

• I have noticed my ideas have not moved in ranking. Is the leader board working properly?

  Yes, the leader board updates every 30 minutes. All ideas are updated based on the number of votes received. During the first two days of each month the leader board does not show much movement as votes are being accumulated. For this short timeframe, "ranking" is based on the timestamp of a submission. After the 3rd day if a user's idea does not receive any votes their ranking continues to be based on the timestamp of submission trailing all ideas that have received votes.

• How can I be sure the leader board is working properly?

  Pepsi heard your concerns and hired a third party technology firm to do a custom audit on the functionality of the leader board. We're happy to report the results of the audit confirm PRP vote tallies to be fair and accurate. For more information you can check out our certificate @ http://riskebusiness.com/certifications/Pepsi_Refresh_Project/

• Who can apply?

  All legal residents of the United States residing in one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who are 13 years of age and older.

• How many can apply?

  Each month, a maximum of 1,000 ideas can be submitted.

• How many Pepsi Refresh Grants will be awarded?

  Each month, there will be up to 32 potential Pepsi Refresh Grant Recipients selected.

• What are the Pepsi Refresh Grant Levels?

  Each month, up to $1.3 million will be awarded as follows: 2 Grants at the $250,000 level; 10 Grants at the $50,000 level; 10 Grants at the $25,000 level; and 10 Grants at the $5,000 level.

• What kind of ideas qualify?

  We are looking for ideas from individuals, non-profits and pro-social businesses that can make a positive impact in the community. Ideas should be feasible and completed 12 months from the date you receive the first funds. Ideas must have impact within one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.

• When can I submit my idea?

  In the first month, submissions begin January 13th at 12:00:01 a.m. ET and end January 24, 2010 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. In subsequent months, submissions begin the first of the month at 12:00:01 a.m. ET and end at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on the 15th of the month or when the first 1,000 Applications are received, whichever occurs first.

• How many Applications will be voted on?

  A lot! Up to 1,000 new Applications per month will be eligible for voting. The top 100 runners-up from each category will be automatically transferred over to the next month's voting period, but accumulated votes from past months will not be carried over.

• When will I know who the potential Grant Recipients are?

  Potential Grant Recipients will be notified by email and will be posted at the beginning of each month. Official Grant Recipients will be posted on or about 2 weeks after that month's voting period has ended.

• If I am a Grant Recipient, when will I get my funds?

  Quickly! We want to help you get your project up and running fast. As a Grant Recipient, you will receive your funds within four weeks after you have signed a Grant Agreement and completed the verification process. Grant Recipients will receive their funds in two or more disbursements, the first within four weeks of being announced a potential Grant Recipient.

• May my project help someone overseas?

  No, all Applications must be submitted by US residents and must benefit projects taking place and serving the US.

• What is the rationale for starting exclusively in US?

  The Pepsi Refresh Project is focused on US because it was created in the US. We develop programs by territory so an international expansion would need to be driven locally.

• I work with a church teen center and my work does not involve religious activity. May I still apply?

  Yes! While projects cannot engage directly or indirectly in religious activity, projects may nonetheless be carried out in association with religious organizations. Projects or related activities cannot involve religious advocacy or proselytizing acts and intentions to advance a religious denomination or expand membership or encourage conversion. Provided these conditions are met, a church teen center (or charter school, or similar initiative) is eligible.

• I work with a church teen center and my work does not involve religious activity. May I still apply?

  Yes! While projects cannot engage in religious activity, projects may nonetheless be carried out in association with religious organizations, so long as project activities do not involve religious advocacy or proselytizing – acts and intentions to advance a religious denomination or expand membership or encourage conversion. Provided these conditions are met, a church teen center (or charter school, or similar initiative) is eligible.

• May I submit my application via fax or mail?

  No, you must submit online and have a valid email address.

• What does the Grant Application entail?

  There will be a series of questions regarding your project activity, your budget, your experience in managing a project like this, how your project will impact the world around you as well as measurements and milestones you will use to determine success.

• Will I be able to save my application and work on it later?

  Yes. As long as you create an account you will be able to work on your project proposal, save it, and come back to it later.

• What is the deadline for submitting my application?

  There are 12 Submission Periods. After the first month (January) the last date/time to submit is 11:59:59 p.m. ET on the 15th of each month OR once 1,000 Applications in that particular month have been received, whichever occurs first. We expect a lot of entries, so aim to submit your project soon after the submission window opens. Remember, saving your project is not the same as submitting it. When the submission period begins, you must go to your project profile and click "submit."

• How can I improve my application?

  You can improve your application by making sure that you answer the application questions thoroughly and thoughtfully. Projects should reflect a positive impact in the community.

• What is the timeline for implementing my project and using the Grant?

  You have up to 12 months from the date you receive the first funds for completing your project.

• Who can I contact for additional information?

  For general promotion questions including application submissions and more, contact Young America at 1-800-768-2784 or PepsiRefresh@young-america.com.

• What is required of me if I get a Grant?

  If you receive a Grant, you will need to sign a Grant Agreement and agree to certain terms and conditions for implementing your project and reporting back your project progress and grant expenditures. You will also be asked to provide certain financial and legal documentation as outlined in the Grant Agreement.

• May I submit more than one vote from the same IP address?

  Yes. However, you may only vote up to 10 times per account per day, but each vote must be for different projects.

• How are the votes counted?

  Voting is done in a democratic way online wherein members of the public will vote for projects that they find the most compelling.

• Will my personal information be shared as a submitter?

  Your personal information will be used by Pepsi and by partners Pepsi has selected to help execute the Pepsi Refresh Program (including organizations that evaluate and distribute the grants).

• How do I know you've received my entry

  You will receive a confirmation email.

• What web browser should I use?

  For the best site experience please use one of the following browsers:
  Firefox 3.0
  Firefox 3.5
  IE 8
  IE 7
  IE 6 (*limited support where items such as carousels are not enabled)
  Safari 4
  
  NOTE: Current and future browser releases may lead to less than desirable experiences with the site and some browsers are not recommended:
  Examples Include: Google Chrome (all versions), Firefox 3.6

• Can an application for the same idea be resubmitted the next month if I don't win?

  Yes, if your application is not one of the 32 recipients selected OR one of the top 100 runners-up (which automatically carry over). To submit the same application again, you will need to delete your current application and resubmit it.

• If I receive a Grant under this program, will the Grant money I receive be tax-free?

  Please consult with your tax advisor to discuss any potential tax implications.

• Do I need to submit my application in English?

  Yes, we only accept applications that are submitted in English.

• If I submit my idea or become a Grant Recipient, does Pepsi own my ideas?

  No, your ideas are yours to own. Grant Recipients will be required to sign a Grant Agreement,and agree to certain terms and conditions for implementing your project, but you own your idea. See Official Application Guidelines for more information

• Does my idea need to have impact within a certain geographic area?

  The Pepsi Refresh Project is launching with Grants that will provide support for US-based projects only. There may be global expansion at a later time. Currently, ideas that qualify must have impact within one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.

• Can I submit an idea and/or vote if a family member works for PepsiCo?

  Yes! Employees of PepsiCo and their family members can submit ideas and vote for ideas. Partners of PepsiCo can also participate. There is a field where you will need to indicate your association with PepsiCo in the Application.

• Who can vote?

  All legal residents of the United States residing in one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who are 13 years of age and older. Starting on February 1st, participants can vote for up to 10 of their favorite ideas every day. If you submitted an idea, feel free to vote for your own. Voting starts on the 1st and continues through the last day of every month. Unused Votes do not roll over to the next day.

• Suppose there is conflicting direction in the FAQs and the Official Application Guidelines. Which should I believe?

  If there is any ambiguity or conflict between these FAQ's and the Official Application Guidelines, the Official Application Guidelines will prevail.

• My idea was not selected. Can I submit a new idea or resubmit my current idea for the next distribution of grants?

  Yes. The Pepsi Refresh Project allows you to submit one (1) idea at a time for voter consideration. If your idea is not selected, it will remain on RefreshEverything.com for viewing. If you would like to submit a new idea or resubmit your current idea AND your application is not one of the 32 recipients selected OR one of the top 100 runners-up, you will need to delete your current idea from the website and fill out a new application. The ability to do so will be available starting April 1, 2010. Until then, please contact us at PepsiRefresh@young-america.com for assistance or additional information.