MetLife Foundation Announces the Recipients of Its Community Impact Grant Program

Grants awarded to non-profit organizations located in communities across the U.S. focused on improving quality of life, addressing food insecurity and physical and mental well-being

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MetLife Foundation today announced the recipients of its Community Impact Grant Program (CIGP), which aims to support local, grassroots non-profit organizations that provide vital services to individuals and families on low-income. The grant program was launched this summer as an open funding opportunity to expand the Foundation’s impact and involvement in communities where MetLife has a presence.

The first round of funding awarded non-profit organizations between $5,000 - $15,000 in programmatic support. The work of these organizations centers on three of CIGP’s strategic areas – improved quality of life, hunger relief and healthy eating, and physical and mental well-being.

“We launched CIGP to address some of the most pressing needs that individuals and families are facing in the communities where MetLife has a presence,” said Tia Hodges, President and CEO of MetLife Foundation and Head of Corporate Giving and Employee Volunteerism at MetLife. “It’s only when essential needs are met can individuals, families and communities begin to feel secure.”

The recipients of this round of funding included non-profits serving Cary, NC; Dallas, TX; Newark, NJ; New York, NY; Omaha, NE; and Scranton, PA. Applications were evaluated based on their alignment to the Foundation’s mission of driving inclusive economic mobility and demonstrated impact.

The full list of those selected can be viewed on MetLife Foundation’s website, and include:

• Computers For People to provide low-to-moderate income individuals in Newark, NJ with refurbished computers and digital literacy classes to contribute to a digitally inclusive world.
• Girls on the Run of Nebraska to support the physical and mental health of girls in Omaha, NE through running, life skills and community projects.
• Inclusive Communities Project to provide housing assistance and counseling to families with Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, giving them access to good schools, safe neighborhoods, gainful employment, and healthy living environments in Dallas, TX.
• Start Lighthouse to transform an underutilized Bronx library into a literacy hub for 939 students and their families, providing them with high-quality materials and a safe space to gather.
• The University of Scranton’s Center for Service & Social Justice to give meals to 500 vulnerable members of the Scranton, PA community through their We Care Weekly Meal Delivery Program.

MetLife Foundation engaged MetLife employees as part of the CIGP review and selection committee. Additional recipients of the initial $500,000 pledge will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more details on the recipients, visit www.MetLife.org.

About MetLife Foundation

At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility for underserved and underrepresented communities around the world. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas – economic inclusion, financial health and resilient communities – while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its inception, MetLife Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.