Two local nonprofit organizations, the Dolphin Project and Fort McAllister State Historic Park, are in the running to win grant money from national initiatives spearheaded by major soft drink corporations.

The Dolphin Project is composed of scientists and volunteers who monitor regional dolphin population and well-being. The organization, led by president Peach Hubbard of Richmond Hill, has applied for a $25,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Pepsi will award $1.3 million to organizations that strive to improve their communities.

To win the grant, The Dolphin Project must be one of the most-voted-for organizations within the $25,000 bracket on the contest’s website.

On a similar note, but with a different soda sponsor, Fort McAllister State Historic Park in Richmond Hill is a contestant in Coca-Cola’s “Live Positively” campaign to find America’s favorite national park.  

Park manager, Dan Brown, is pleased with Fort McAllister’s inclusion in the program. “I really hope that all of our local friends come out and vote for us. In this economy, we could use every penny,” he said.

The winner of the contest will receive a $100,000 grant from Coca-Cola.

Fort Pulaski National Monument, east of Savannah near Tybee Island, is also participating in the contest.

To vote for your favorite national park, visit http://www.livepositively.com/#/americasparks.

To vote for The Dolphin Project, visit http://www.refresheverything.com.

Voting for both contests ends August 31.