To mark the release of Season 2 of Upstanders, Starbucks series highlighting ordinary people doing extraordinary things to create positive change, the Starbucks Foundation launched the “Upstanders Challenge” and awarding more than half a million dollars in grants to charities making a difference in their communities. The contest will be hosted on Indi.com, a video sharing platform that allows fans and supporters to interact with brands.
The Upstanders Challenge will award 25 grants of $25,000 each to eligible 501(c)3 non-profit organizations in the U.S. that reflect the values of Upstanders—people creating positive change within their communities. The winners will be selected from the charities whose videos generate the most “buzz”. (“Buzz” is different from casting an individual vote; it’s a composite of points accumulated by calculating number of views, likes and shares from Indi and on social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.)
To participate, create a nomination video between one and three minutes long that explains how your favorite charity is an Upstander. Videos do not need to be highly produced: Make it easy and use your phone. Upload the video here, then start generating buzz.
A panel of judges will choose the winning charities from the 40 videos that achieve the most social media buzz.
The Upstanders Challenge began October 9 and ends October 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Winners will be announced by November 30. The first 200 people to submit a video will receive a $20 Starbucks gift card.
A similar but separate contest for Starbucks partners (employees) will award two grants of $25,000 each to the winning charities.
