Organizational/Project Eligibility for all Applicants

• Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or Tribes/Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs). NOTE: Faith-based organizations must verify on the application that housing and services programs are open to individuals regardless of religious affiliation.
• Eligibility: open to properties in all 50 states
• Properties must comprise a majority (51percent or greater) senior tenancy.
• Properties submitted must be a) single-site, b) senior independent living, c) permanent rental housing. Independent living components of CCRCs may apply if separately incorporated.
• The property submitted must have a minimum of 25 dwelling units.
• Properties must have been in operation two years or more, reaching full occupancy by May 1, 2008. (If selected as a finalist, 2009 audited financials will be required for both the organization and the property. If properties have not yet converted to permanent financing at least one year before this date, if applicable, an explanatory note will also be required.)
• Applicants may submit only one specific property that best exemplifies their organization's work.
• Residents of the property must have incomes at or below 60 percent of area median income
• Applicants must satisfy one of the following criteria for the property:
  • Own
  • Lease and operate
  • Sponsor of a Section 811 or 202 project
  • Act as general partner of the ownership entity
• Previous Enterprise MetLife Awards winners for past categories may reapply two years after winning an award, if they apply for a different project (2008 winners are eligible, 2009 winners must wait until 2011).

Award Criteria

The MetLife Foundation Awards for Excellence in Affordable Housing will recognize four community-based nonprofit organizations (regional or national) or Tribes/Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) for excellence in development and operation of green senior independent living properties. New construction, green rehab and green retrofit properties are all equally considered.

All applications will be evaluated on criteria that include the following:

• Green features
• Innovation in supportive services
• Design responsiveness to resident and community needs
• Effectiveness of property and asset management
• Documented resident outcomes
• Use of technology
• Integration of universal design