By Amber
This year Pepsi launched the Pepsi Refresh Project, which is awarding $1.3 million each month in grant money to several individuals, non-profits, and companies whose goals and ideas will generate positive change and refresh the world. Using six categories—Health, Arts and Culture, Food and Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods, and Education—Pepsi has received thousands of ideas for funding consideration.
Pepsi is asking the public to vote for their favorite ideas. The top vote-getters will be awarded 32 monthly grants offered at various monetary levels. States of Union photographer and project director, Alix Smith (left), is hoping Pepsi will help fund her campaign’s mission by competing for April’s biggest grant worth $250,000.
States of Union is a national social action campaign that uses photographs of gay and lesbian couples and families, reminiscent of classical paintings, to promote equality and acceptance.
The campaign hopes to photograph up to 500 gay and lesbian families across the United States. Some photos will be part of the traveling exhibition, featured in galleries and schools in small towns and big cities. Other photos will be used as billboards, television ads, or in print. All will be used to create a sense of awareness and familiarity around same-sex partnerships.
To vote for this idea and others, go to www.refresheverything.com/statesofunion. This month’s finalists will be announced May 1st.
