MetLife Foundation Awards Over $6.5 Million in Global Community Grants

NEW YORK, NY – April 08, 2026 – MetLife Foundation has announced a significant philanthropic investment, awarding over $6.5 million in grants to more than 100 nonprofit organizations across the globe. The funding, distributed through the foundation's Community Impact Grant Program (CIGP), targets essential community needs and underscores a strategic commitment to fostering financial security and resilience on a global scale.

The grants are directed towards organizations working on the front lines of four critical areas: food security, mental well-being, environmental sustainability, and the creation of vibrant communities. This latest round of funding marks a substantial expansion of the CIGP, which was launched in the United States in 2023 and extended its reach globally in 2025. Since its inception, the program has now awarded over $9 million to 207 nonprofits, impacting an estimated 1.6 million people across the U.S., Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.

A Strategic Approach to Global Challenges

The Community Impact Grant Program is a cornerstone of MetLife Foundation’s mission to drive inclusive economic mobility. The selection of the four focus areas is not arbitrary; it represents a holistic understanding that foundational needs must be met before individuals and families can achieve long-term financial health. By supporting a diverse portfolio of nonprofits, the foundation aims to build a stronger, more resilient social infrastructure in the communities where MetLife operates.

“Through the Community Impact Grant Program, MetLife Foundation invests in nonprofits that are strengthening the well-being of people and our communities,” said Tia Hodges, President and CEO of MetLife Foundation and Head of Corporate Giving and Employee Volunteerism at MetLife. “Together, we’re helping individuals and families navigate challenges and move forward with greater stability and resilience.”

This strategy reflects a growing trend in corporate philanthropy that moves beyond simple donations to create systemic change. By aligning its giving with its core mission and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, the foundation seeks to generate measurable, lasting impact. The program's growth, from its initial domestic launch to a global initiative, signals a deep commitment to addressing interconnected worldwide issues through targeted, local solutions.

Beyond the Check: The Power of Employee Engagement

A distinguishing feature of the Community Impact Grant Program is the deep involvement of MetLife employees. Volunteers from across the company dedicate their time to review grant applications and assist in the selection process. This model transforms corporate giving from a top-down directive into a collaborative, ground-up effort that leverages the company's human capital.

This hands-on approach provides numerous benefits. It brings diverse perspectives and local knowledge to the grant-making process, potentially leading to more effective and contextually relevant funding decisions. Furthermore, it fosters a powerful culture of corporate social responsibility within MetLife, connecting employees directly to the company's philanthropic mission. This level of engagement is part of a broader corporate culture; in 2023 alone, MetLife employees contributed over 144,000 volunteer hours across 38 markets, participating in everything from mentoring to skills-based pro-bono work.

By integrating employee passion and expertise into its philanthropic strategy, MetLife Foundation is not just writing checks; it is building a coalition for change. This model of engaged philanthropy is becoming a benchmark in the corporate world, demonstrating how companies can amplify their impact by empowering their workforce to become active partners in community development.

Stories of Ground-Level Impact

The impact of the $6.5 million in grants is best understood through the work of the recipient organizations. The latest cohort includes a wide array of nonprofits making a tangible difference in their communities:

• In Mexico, Banco de Tapitas is tackling environmental sustainability by turning recycled plastic into opportunity. The organization runs a vocational training program that teaches craftsmanship and transformation techniques for recycled materials, simultaneously cleaning the environment and providing valuable job skills.

• In Dallas, Texas, the Cedar Hill Shares Food Pantry addresses food insecurity with a comprehensive approach. It provides essential nutrition to adults and students while also offering literacy and financial health programs, equipping community members with the tools they need for greater stability.

• In Japan, the General Incorporated Association BowL is focused on mental well-being. Through its Workplace Mental Wellness Support Program, the organization helps individuals who have faced mental health challenges successfully return to the workforce, addressing a critical and often overlooked barrier to economic inclusion.

• In the United Kingdom, the Super Power Agency works to build vibrant communities by unlocking the potential of young people. The organization hosts creative writing and expression workshops designed to boost the self-esteem, confidence, and self-respect of children, nurturing the next generation of engaged citizens.

These examples, representing just a fraction of the more than 100 grantees, illustrate the program's global reach and its ability to fund innovative solutions tailored to specific local needs.

Building a Sustainable Philanthropic Future

The Community Impact Grant Program is not a temporary initiative but a key part of a long-term vision. Established in 1976, MetLife Foundation has a nearly 50-year history of community engagement, having contributed over $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. The CIGP represents the evolution of this legacy, adapting to the pressing needs of the 21st century.

The program's consistent growth and the explicit commitment from its leadership indicate a sustainable and expanding future. By focusing on essential needs as a prerequisite for economic progress, the foundation is investing in the root causes of financial instability. This integrated approach, combining significant financial resources with the dedicated volunteerism of its global workforce, aims to create a durable legacy of resilience and opportunity in communities around the world.