Sun Life Financial Seeking Grant Applications from South Florida

Sun Life Financial Seeking Grant Applications from South Florida Non-profit Organizations for Sun Life Rising Star Awards

Sun Life Financial invites organizations to apply for $220,000 in grants and scholarships that provide educational opportunities and promote financial stability in under-served youth

Wellesley, MA (May 24, 2011) – Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE: SLF, TSX: SLF) and the Miami Dolphins announced today they are seeking Sun Life Rising Star Award grant applications from non-profit organizations in South Florida that advocate for youth from under-served communities. Applications are now available at www.SunLifeStadium.com/RisingStar. The deadline for submissions is July 1.

The Sun Life Rising Star Award program is designed to improve the lives of under-served youth by providing financial resources and education to students and non-profit organizations committed to increasing success in high school and beyond. Each winning organization will receive a $50,000 grant and other unique resources. Additionally as part of the application process, each organization will nominate an exemplary student for a $5,000 Sun Life Rising Star scholarship to help finance a college education, with the goal of helping students achieve long-term financial stability.

Now in its second year, the program will again invest more than $1 million to outstanding students and non-profit organizations in major markets across the country, including Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and South Florida. The Sun Life Rising Star Awards program is the educational cornerstone program of the Miami Dolphins Foundation.

"Financial security and sustainability are the building blocks of the Sun Life brand, and that’s why it’s a priority for us to continue investing in and improving the lives of these outstanding students who are committed to furthering their education," said Sun Life Financial U.S. President Wes Thompson. “It is our intention that the Sun Life Rising Star Awards serve as a catalyst to help these incredibly talented and deserving students and organizations embark on a path to a sound financial future.”

To be considered for a Sun Life Rising Star Award grant, organizations must have 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status and promote skills that directly translate to educational success in high school to students under the age of 21. Applications will be reviewed by a local judging panel consisting of community leaders and senior-level educators.

As part of the application process, each non-profit will nominate an outstanding student from its organization for a chance to receive a $5,000 college scholarship. Nominees must be high school seniors actively involved in an organization that shares the Sun Life Rising Star Awards’ mission; they must also plan to pursue post-secondary education, exhibit leadership qualities, and demonstrate a strong commitment to their communities. Nominated students are required to submit a 750-word essay on how financial education contributes to future success.