Social Investment Program

 The Social Investment Program gives special consideration to investments in communities where MetLife has a major presence and to organizations that are regional or national in scope.  The following program areas are targeted:

• Community Revitalization – Projects that build or stabilize communities, such as new or renovated housing for low- and moderate-income people; revitalize deteriorated commercial districts; or provide service enriched facilities for groups with special needs, such as the homeless and mentally ill.

• Economic Development – Programs that stimulate economic growth in distressed areas; develop or expand businesses in low income areas; or promote training and job opportunities for individuals at an economic disadvantage.

• Health – Health-related services for underserved areas or populations, with an emphasis on preventive care.
  

Investments are first reviewed to determine whether the project addresses a significant social need related to MetLife's program interests. Other criteria include:

• Financial feasibility –  Evidence that the project makes economic sense and that the investment will be repaid.

• Management capability – Demonstrated managerial experience, internal fiscal controls and a proven track record for completing projects. Organizations with at least three years of related experience are preferred.

• Leverage – Use of the social investment to induce other public and private investors to participate.

• Impact – Investments that expand the capacity and self-sufficiency of economically disadvantaged groups, affect more than a local population or have the potential for replication in other communities.

• Community support – Demonstration of support from local business, government and community groups.

Amounts, rates and terms are considered on a case-by-case basis. However, investments of $3-5 million with terms under 10 years are preferred.

The Social Investment Program provides financing to a wide range of projects and organizations.  Investments are made with community development financial institutions (CDFIs), which then relend these funds to support community development projects.  MetLife also makes mortgage loans, purchases bonds backed by community development loans to provide liquidity to local lenders and makes a variety of tax credit investments with a focus on Low Income Housing Tax Credit transactions. 

The following is a small sample of the groups we finance:

• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

• National Equity Fund

• Habitat for Humanity

• Boston Community Capital

• Low Income Investment Fund

• Living Cities Catalyst Fund
  

MetLife welcomes requests for social investments within the guidelines and program areas set forth. Inquiries can be made by email describing the organization and its proposed project, including its social purpose and economic feasibility. If an organization is asked to submit a formal application, the following information will be required:

• History – A brief description of the organization and its purpose, activities, management and governing board.

• Project Description – Details of the proposed project, including amount and use of requested financing, total project costs, project objectives, and timeline for completion.

• Statement of Social Purpose – Description of the need addressed by the project and the social benefits resulting from it.

• Financial Information – Audited financial statements for the last three years and a copy of the organization's current operating budget.

Requests will be accepted and reviewed throughout the year. Please keep information brief; additional information will be requested if necessary. Please send requests by email to:  socialinvestments@metlife.com