Requests are accepted and reviewed throughout the year. Requests and supporting materials are carefully evaluated by MetLife Foundation. If the request is within the Foundation's guidelines and program priorities and available funds permit consideration of the request, the organization may be asked for more complete information before a decision is made. On occasion, the Foundation establishes particular areas of interest for emphasis within a program area. When this is done, the Foundation actively searches out promising opportunities for grants and may issue requests for proposals.

When an organization submits a request for either general or project support, both the organization and the proposal are evaluated.

Among the factors considered are the organization's general structure, objectives, history and management capability; its relationship to the community and the population to be served; its position relative to organizations performing similar functions; and its financial position and sources of income.

In the evaluation of a special project, the factors considered include the project's goals and implementation plans; length of time for the project to be complete; the ultimate disposition of the project; staff capabilities; benefits of the projects; and the sources of financial and other support.

In deciding the amount of support, the facts considered include availability of funds, relative priorities and funding patterns. Requests must be made in writing and should include the following information:

• A brief description of the organization, including its legal name,history, activities, purpose and governing board.
• The purpose for which the grant is requested.
• The amount request and a list of other sources of financial support.
• A copy of the organization's most recent audited financial statement.
• A copy of the IRS determination letter indicating 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status as an organization that is not a private foundation.
• A copy of the organization's most recent Form 990-Income Tax Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax.

MetLife Foundation makes contributions only to organizations that have been granted exemption from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Grants are not made to:

• Private foundations.
• Religious, fraternal, political, athletic, social or veterans organizations.
• Hospitals.
• Individuals.
• Organizations receiving support from United Way.
• Local chapters of national organizations.
• Disease-specific organizations.
• Labor groups.
• Organizations whose activities are mainly international.
• Organizations primarily engaged in patient care or direct treatment, drug treatment centers and community health clinics.
• Elementary and secondary schools.
• Endowments.
• Courtesy advertising or festival participation.

The Foundation cannot act favorably on all the requests it receives. Grants usually fall within the following broad areas of concern: health, civic affairs, education, culture and public broadcasting.

Each request is reviewed to determine its general eligibility and conformity to the guidelines for the appropriate category, the year's contributions, program priorities and geographical considerations.

Grant renewals are not automatic and cannot be guaranteed from year to year. A statement of policy and guidelines is available upon request.

Request for grants or for additional information should be directed to:

MetLife Foundation
27-01 Queens Plaza North
Long Island City, NY 11101

Photo by: Jose Pelaez Photo courtesy of: The United Way of New York City and Latin American Integration Center