“MetLife Foundation’s investment enables us to create opportunities for talented entrepreneurs who will encourage growth and economic prosperity in Upstate New York,” Marnie LaVigne, president and CEO of Launch NY, said in the MetLife release. “We value their commitment to the region and look forward to building on our successful partnership.” MetLife Foundation says its […]
“MetLife Foundation’s investment enables us to create opportunities for talented entrepreneurs who will encourage growth and economic prosperity in Upstate New York,” Marnie LaVigne, president and CEO of Launch NY, said in the MetLife release. “We value their commitment to the region and look forward to building on our successful partnership.”
MetLife Foundation says its strategy centers on “driving inclusive economic mobility and strengthening the communities” where MetLife has a presence through three portfolio areas. They include economic inclusion, financial health, and resilient communities.
With MetLife employees living and working in the Utica area, the commitment by MetLife and the foundation will provide “ongoing support” to the community and residents.
“As a company founded in New York, we are proud to be part of the state’s fabric and believe we have an important role in the communities we serve,” Michel Khalaf, president and CEO of MetLife, said in the release. “The commitment by MetLife and MetLife Foundation seeks to build upon existing efforts in Utica and the surrounding area to help all New Yorkers thrive.”
Other grants
In addition to its Launch NY investment, the MetLife Foundation says it has already made more than $1.4 million in grants to upstate New York nonprofits.
They include the Food Bank of Central New York, which will use its funding to address food insecurity through the expansion of their weekend meal program for school-age children and mobile food pantry.
The funding recipients also include the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, which will use its funding “bridge the gap” between the community and resources through workforce development, neighborhood revitalization, and resident engagement.
In addition, Munson of Utica will use its grant to broaden access to its gallery spaces by making them accessible to visitors with mobility limitations. The funding will also target summer workshops for local children and teens at no cost.
Founded in 1868 and headquartered in New York City, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and says it holds leading positions in the U.S., Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to handle MetLife’s corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its inception, MetLife Foundation has contributed more than $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence.
