1.     Who can apply?

Legal residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older. You must reside in one of the counties that Walton Beverage Company operates within: Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan and Northern Island counties.

2.     What is the Local Refresh Project?

Your local Pepsi distributor Walton Beverage, and the Whatcom Community Foundation are teaming up and giving away a minimum of $36,000 in charitable grants to refresh and improve our local communities and the lives of those around us. We’re asking our consumers; "what do you care about?” Whether it’s helping to fund a local health care initiative, starting an education program with the School District, or stocking a local food bank, Walton Beverage and the Whatcom Community Foundation are committed to the communities we serve and the individuals who live here.

3.     What is the deadline for application?

The submission period for applications begins June 22 and lasts until July 18. No applications will be accepted after July 18. The voting period begins July 25 and lasts until September 5. During this time you will be able to access a voting page on waltonbeverage.comand allowed one vote per day per email address.

4.     Where do I turn my application in?

Applications will be submitted online and sent to localrefresh@waltonbeverage.com. Upon receiving, a confirmation message will be sent back after non-profit is verified.

5.     Is there a required purchase or entry fee?

There is no required purchase, no entry fee, no payment or proof-of-purchase to participate.

6.     Who will receive the grants?

A first place grant of $10,000, second place $6,000, third place $4,000 and 4^th place $2,000 will be awarded as a direct contribution to a recognized non-profit organization with a 501(c)3 designation. There will also be a weekly entry opportunities at the Pepsi displays anywhere Pepsi products are sold, for a chance to win $200--$100 donation to the non-profit of choice (501 (c) 3 only) in Whatcom or Skagit counties, and $100 in the form of a gift card to you! See displays for more information, and look online for a complete list of qualified non-profits in Whatcom and Skagit counties.  

7.     Will I receive the grant money directly?

No, to avoid any tax liability, the grant money will be delivered directly to the recipient organization, on behalf of you.

8.     What kind of ideas will NOT qualify?

Ideas cannot:

Suggest legalization of any illegal drug or pornography

Suggest or encourage the taking up of arms to defend a community

Challenge or seek to challenge current laws or overthrow of any government

Discriminate against or be disparaging to race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or religion

Disparage or denigrate a product, service, person or organization

Encourage the cessation of, or act to negatively impact a business or enterprise

Promote the use of alcohol, tobacco, firearms/weapons

Contain any profanities

Suggest intent to commit abuse or violence

Take longer than one year to complete

Operate outside of Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan or Northern Island communities

9.     What kind of ideas will qualify?

Ideas must benefit the applicants’ local community in the areas of health/hunger relief, the Planet/environmental stewardship, arts & culture, neighborhoods, food & shelter or education. Projects must be executable in our local Whatcom and Skagit counties.

10.)   How do I submit my application?