MetLife Community Impact Grant Program (United States)

Overview

_NOTE: This page is for the United States. In the U.S. there is an open call for applications. In Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East regions applications will be accepted by invitation only._

Background

MetLife Foundation is committed to driving inclusive economic mobility for people on low income. In its third year, the Community Impact Grant Program has expanded globally to support partners across MetLife’s regions, which include the United States, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. The program supports local organizations who are on the front lines addressing the needs of people with low incomes.

Focus Areas

The Community Impact Grant Program (CIGP) will award grants to programs that center on one of four (4) focus areas:

* Food Security:
* Solutions to address access to healthy food options for people on low-income and the working poor.
* Examples include programs offered by food pantries and/or soup kitchens.
* Mental Well-Being:
* Solutions to address the growing demand for mental health services.
* Examples include programs that increase access to quality care, foster social connections for seniors and/or establish peer support networks.
* Environmental Sustainability:
* Solutions to address environmental challenges.
* Examples include programs that improve access to clean air and water, reduce waste through recycling and composting and/or disaster preparedness and mitigation.
* Vibrant Communities:
* Solutions that contribute to a vibrant and thriving community through access to arts and culture and physical well-being.
* Examples include programs that increase exposure to arts, sports and physical activity and/or neighborhood beautification projects.

Selection Criteria

In addition to the eligibility requirements set forth, MetLife Foundation will also consider the following:

* Completeness of application: Has the applicant answered each question for it to be reviewed based on the criteria?
* Alignment: Does the applicant have a deep conviction and commitment to creating a more equitable, inclusive and just future for people with low incomes?
* Demonstrated impact: Does the applicant have a history that demonstrates their ability to address the needs of people with low incomes?
* Community representation: How does the applicant reflect the community in their work?

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Organizations must have significant work serving at least one of the following communities and in the U.S., implement their program in one of the following counties:
* Northeast:
* Bridgewater, Newark & Whippany, NJ
* Essex, Morris & Somerset Counties
* New York, NY
* Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens & Richmond Counties
* Philadelphia, PA
* Philadelphia County
* West:
* Los Angeles, CA
* Los Angeles County
* San Francisco, CA
* San Francisco & Alameda Counties
* Seattle, WA
* King County
* South:
* Cary & Durham, NC
* Wake & Durham Counties
* Dallas, TX
* Dallas County
* Louisville, KY
* Jefferson County
* Tampa, FL
* Hillsborough County
* Midwest
* Grand Rapids, MI
* Kent County
* St. Louis, MO
* St. Louis County
* For applicants requesting support in the United States:
* Organization must be independent tax-exempt public charities per Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
* Proposals are encouraged from a wide range of organizations and fields in the non profit sector as this is an open and competitive funding opportunity.
* Organizations must service at least one of the communities noted previously and implement their program in one of the counties listed.
* Eligibility for All Applicants
* Eligible organizations should have authentic relationships with the communities they propose to serve.
* Programming must align with the Foundation’s mission of driving inclusive economic mobility and the focus areas outlined.
* Eligibility for a second year of funding is contingent upon review and approval of outcomes and/or outputs from the first year of funding.
* Eligible organizations must have annual budgets between $50,000 and $5,000,000 USD, as shown in their most recent IRS 990 Form.
* For example:
* If your organization’s annual budget is $50,000, the maximum amount of funding your organization can request is $20,000 for the two-year grant program with $10,000 disbursed in year one and $10,000 disbursed in year two.
* If your organization’s annual budget is $250,000, the maximum amount of funding your organization can request is request is $100,000 for the two-year grant program with $50,000 disbursed in year one and $50,000 disbursed in year two.
* If your organization’s annual budget is $500,000 or more, you are eligible to request up to the full funding window of $200,000 for the two-year grant program with $100,000 disbursed in year one and $100,000 disbursed in year two.

Ineligibility

* MetLife Foundation is unable to provide funding support that exceeds 20% of an organization’s annual operating budget.

* MetLife Foundation does not make grants to the following:
* Municipalities, local governments, or chambers of commerce
* Fraternal, political, social or other membership organizations (e.g., Rotary Clubs)
* Business or industry associations
* Labor groups
* Religious or faith-based organization that limits program participation to members of that religious/faith community
* Elementary, secondary, or charter schools, including booster clubs, Parent/Teacher Associations, and marching bands
* Groups involved with controversial causes on which there are strong differences of opinion
* Endowments
* Courtesy advertising or festival sponsorships
* Fundraising events such as dinners or sports tournaments
* One-day events such as parades, walks, festivals, or galas
* Private foundations or subgrating organizations
* Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity or expression, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or other legally protected status.
* Individuals