The PRP began on January 13, 2010 when the website, refresheverything.com began accepting ideas online. In contrast to the extensive requirements of Federal and Philanthropic organizations, the application process did not require skill in grant writing. The rules of the project state that the first 1,000 ideas proposed online each month will be considered for a share of $1.3 million available[3] It took less than a week for one thousand "January" ideas to be submitted and the site stopped accepting ideas.
Voting started February 1, 2010 for the group of ideas proposed during January. On March 1, the first grants were announced[4] in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, the Planet, Neighborhoods and Education.[4]
Up to 32 ideas may be selected every month in each of the following grant segments: $5K; $25K; $50K; and $250k. Individuals, non-profits, and socially beneficial businesses are eligible to compete in all categories.
In September 2010, the Pepsi Refresh Project was criticized for allowing a coalition of progressive, nonprofit organizations called the 'Progressive Slate' to participate in the project, accusing the company of violating its own terms.