Stronger Communities

MetLife Foundation announced a partnership in Japan with The Nippon Foundation, a social innovation hub that aims to achieve a society in which all people support one another, reducing the burdens and challenges they face together. 

The two organizations launched “MetLife Foundation and The Nippon Foundation: Better Life Better Place for the Elderly and Children,” a program that will develop 12 care facilities for the elderly and children across Japan by the end of 2024. The program is the first step in MetLife Japan’s “Empowering Our Communities” initiative which, through employee support, aims to create a more sustainable society.

MetLife has a longstanding commitment to supporting 9/11 disaster recovery and honoring those who were lost in the attacks, including two MetLife employees. Building on the $8 million MetLife has contributed to recovery efforts and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, MetLife Foundation made a series of contributions to commemorate the anniversary and educate new generations, while providing sustained safety and preparedness, and uniting America in service to communities. MetLife employees in seven cities volunteered for the September 11 National Day of Service, packing healthy nonperishable meals, which were distributed to local food banks.

MetLife Foundation partners with Bunker Labs, a nonprofit supporting military-connected entrepreneurs by providing the resources that help grow their businesses. The Foundation supported Bunker Labs’ virtual events, which have provided increased access for veteran entrepreneurs to learn how to launch and sustain their businesses, and The Transition podcast, which provides storytelling, subject matter expertise and introductions to the Bunker Labs community. 

Learn more about all of our Stronger Communities initiatives >

To date, MetLife and MetLife Foundation have collectively contributed over $250 million of relief to help people cope with COVID-19, between premium credits and direct contributions. This includes MetLife Foundation’s over $27 million contribution to COVID-19 relief and recovery, including direct cash assistance in the form of help with rent or bills, debt or savings, and food or basic needs, as well as financial coaching and counseling. Read more about our support for COVID-19 relief. 

MetLife Foundation donated $1.6 million to help Bangladesh, India and Nepal manage the surge in COVID-19 cases across South Asia, with record case numbers resembling those experienced in the U.S. and Europe in 2020. 

Fundación MetLife Mexico donated approximately $867,000 to help communities respond to and recover from COVID-19. The funds supported six organizations in 13 states. This included eight hospitals and sanitary infrastructure at public schools located in low-income communities, benefiting 95,300 people. 

MetLife recently sold art owned by the company fetching $1.875 million. MetLife Foundation directed the funds from the sale to three New York City-based organizations focused on supporting a new generation of artists from historically marginalized communities. These organizations included: Lower Eastside Girls Club to support a visual arts program, classes, mentoring and community engagement; Harlem School of the Arts to support workshops, tuition assistance and art programs; and the Urban Arts Partnership to support its School of Interactive Arts, which teaches students how to create their own video games with original art, music and storytelling elements.