The MetLife Foundation is expanding its newest grant program to new territories for the benefit of underserved communities.
The foundation disclosed its plans to broaden the scope of its Community Impact Grant Program by extending it to Asia, including Australia. Initially launched in the United States last year, it aims to tackle pressing issues that disproportionately affect individuals with low to moderate incomes.
Through an invitation-only process, selected organisations will be provided with grants ranging from US$50,000 to US$100,000 to support programs in four key areas: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Physical and Mental Well-Being, Environmental Sustainability, and Quality of Life.
The focus of the grant program encompasses a wide array of critical needs, from improving access to healthy food options and addressing food insecurity to enhancing the physical and mental well-being of vulnerable populations by providing essential social services and support.
Additionally, the initiative seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of changing weather patterns on the environment and improve community access to transportation, emergency supplies, and cultural experiences.
An integral part of the expansion involves MetLife employees from the company’s Asia network, who will actively participate in the grant selection process as volunteers. This committee will evaluate and endorse grants to local organizations committed to addressing the needs of those with low incomes and communities affected by the widening income and wealth gap.
Mike Zarcone, head of corporate affairs for MetLife and chairman of MetLife Foundation, emphasised the role of employee involvement in the program.
“Employee care is at the centre of this program, creating connectivity and vitality across our communities,” Zarcone said. “The program’s success is driven by MetLife employees coming together to live our purpose, with the expansion reflecting our commitment to our communities and our efforts to provide a source of immediate assistance to those in need globally.”
The foundation is inviting organisations that have demonstrated success in addressing one or more of the focus areas to submit proposals for the 2024 calendar year. Grants will be awarded to projects in six Asian markets where MetLife maintains a presence, including: Australia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, South Korea, and Vietnam.
Lyndon Oliver, regional president for MetLife Asia, highlighted the importance of community service in the company’s mission.
“Serving the communities in which we all live and work by helping in both big ways and small is central to our purpose, and the addition of the Community Impact Grant Program allows us to do just that, complementing all our MetLife Foundation strategic initiatives in the region,” Oliver said.
Elsewhere for the life insurer, MetLife Australia has also recently announced the departure of Geoff Brunsdon AM, who has served as the chair of MetLife Insurance Limited for over a decade.
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