MetLife’s purpose — always with you, building a more confident future — guides everything the company does. It’s a promise to be there for customers, colleagues, shareholders, and communities in the moments that matter most. That’s why MetLife is proud to support Global Citizen’s mission to end extreme poverty.
The three-year partnership with Global Citizen unlocks human potential and builds upon the legacy that MetLife and MetLife Foundation have championed for decades.
For nearly 160 years, MetLife has worked to strengthen communities — because when people thrive, the future is brighter for everyone.
“At MetLife we believe in always being there for people and communities, guided by our purpose of building more confident futures for all. Our partnership with Global Citizen, along with MetLife Foundation’s support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, will drive positive change by advancing educational opportunities while fostering strong and confident communities through MetLife’s support of Global Citizen programming and events.” Nuria Garcia, Head of Global Sustainability and Chair of MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation: A Founding Donor of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
MetLife Foundation has officially joined the Global Citizen family as a founding donor of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, following its USD $9 million contribution toward the fund’s $100 million goal that aims to expand access to education, literacy, and football for children worldwide through the FIFA Football For Schools (F4S) program.
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund will expand access to quality education, literacy, and football for children worldwide. Of the total funds raised, $50 million will directly support grassroots education and literacy programs in more than 200 communities across the globe. The remaining funds will be directed to F4S — a joint FIFA and UNESCO initiative advancing life skills, learning, and community development through football.
Together with FIFA and Global Citizen, MetLife Foundation is helping turn the universal passion for football into a global force for education, ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
MetLife’s Leadership in Action
At the Global Citizen Festival in New York City on Sept. 27, 2025, Michael Roberts, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at MetLife, and Nuria Garcia, Head of Global Sustainability and Chair of MetLife Foundation, underscored the company’s commitment to promoting financial health, advancing educational opportunities and fostering strong and confident communities. .
Their participation highlighted MetLife’s belief that empowering individuals through education and financial security is key to creating lasting change. The partnership with FIFA and Global Citizen reflects this shared vision, channeling MetLife’s global expertise and resources toward supporting the next generation of learners and leaders.
What Is the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund?
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is a joint initiative designed to expand access to quality education and sports for children worldwide.
It connects the worlds of education, sport, culture, and philanthropy to support grassroots organizations that are improving learning outcomes and child development. The Fund mobilizes resources, partnerships, and expertise to help these organizations grow and sustain their impact.
What the Fund Does
The Fund focuses on three key goals:
- Providing grants to community-based organizations that advance quality education, including access to sport.
- Improving literacy, learning quality, and access so more children can learn effectively.
- Building partnerships that unite sport, education, and community development.
Through these efforts, the Fund helps transform local ideas into sustainable, community-led solutions.
Why It Matters
Approximately 350 million children and adolescents around the world are not in school, and an estimated 133 million do not meet minimum reading and math proficiency by the end of primary school.
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund supports local organizations that understand their communities and are creating practical, lasting solutions to improve education and access to sport. By investing in their work, the Fund helps ensure that progress begins and grows from within communities — creating long-term benefits for children and families.
By combining the reach of sport, the influence of culture, and the commitment of partners like MetLife Foundation, the Fund is helping ensure that children everywhere have the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed — one classroom, one community, one goal at a time.
Opening Doors for Grassroots Changemakers
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is now accepting applications from grassroots and community-based organizations worldwide who are focused on these goals.
The initiative invites local changemakers to apply for support to expand programs that combine education and sport to improve children’s lives.
Created by FIFA and Global Citizen, the Fund is grounded in the shared belief that when children can learn and play, they can thrive. By investing in local organizations already making an impact, the Fund aims to open new pathways for children — especially in communities where access to quality education and safe play spaces is limited.
The message is simple: every child deserves the chance to learn and to play sport.
How to Apply
Organizations can apply through the Global Citizen portal: globalcitizen.org/education-fund-apply
Applications open: October 27, 2025
Applications close: December 31, 2025
The process includes:
- Eligibility screening to confirm alignment with the Fund’s goals.
- Online submission of organizational and project details.
- Evaluation based on the criteria above.
- Announcement of grantees following the review period.
Detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements, and FAQs are available on the Fund’s website.