Pepsi Hits 'Refresh' on Donor Project

PepsiCo Inc. is revamping a charitable-giving program created to boost its corporate image and sales of its flagship cola but marred by complaints of vote-rigging and other irregularities — with several changes geared toward steering more of the prize money toward community and grass-roots organizations.

With a promise of $20 million in donations for "refreshing ideas that change the world," Pepsi's Refresh Project drew rabid competition for the prize money—perhaps too rabid.