#United States #Cigna Group #Health Equity #Grants Funding #Hartford, St. Louis

Cigna Group Foundation Unveils $3 Million Grants for Health Equity Initiatives

On June 4, 2025, the Cigna Group Foundation made waves in the philanthropic landscape by announcing an allocation of $3 million in grants through its Health Equity Impact Fund. This marks the second year of funding aimed at addressing health disparities in specific communities. The foundation will target its efforts in Hartford, Connecticut, and St. Louis, Missouri, two cities that face significant health inequities among their adult populations.

A Commitment to Community Wellbeing

Melissa Skottegaard, chair of the Cigna Group Foundation's board, expressed the foundation's commitment by stating, "Creating healthier communities starts with supporting healthy habits and improving equitable access to care." This philosophy underpins the foundation’s approach, as it seeks to partner with local nonprofits to implement initiatives that address the root causes of health disparities. Last year, the initial funding helped over a dozen local organizations achieve their objectives, laying a strong groundwork for future endeavors.

The Health Equity Impact Fund, developed with a three-year framework, promises to invest $9 million overall, distributing $3 million per grant cycle. This year’s focus lies on Hartford, where the need is acute due to high poverty rates and lower life expectancy compared to other Connecticut areas, and St. Louis, where residents grapple with alarming rates of mental health issues and substance abuse.

Targeted Strategies in Hartford and St. Louis

Hartford, Connecticut

In Hartford, the Health Equity Impact Fund aims to enhance health equity for adults who encounter obstacles to accessing primary care and transportation. The key program initiatives include:

• - Expanding Culturally Appropriate Care: This involves increasing the number of providers and community resources that offer culturally sensitive care models to serve the diverse population better.
• - Improving Transportation Access: The initiative will enhance transportation solutions to facilitate easier access for adults to health visits and encourage engagement in physical activities.

By addressing these critical gaps, Hartford stands to see an improvement in health outcomes and an overall enhancement of community health.

St. Louis, Missouri

The scenario in St. Louis is equally pressing, with the city experiencing dangerously high rates of fatalities related to substance use disorders. The health disparities extend to mental health challenges, where individuals are more likely to rely on emergency services for treatment. The targeted strategies for St. Louis include:

• - Substance Use Disorder Treatment: An emphasis on expanding access to rehabilitation and support services for individuals struggling with substance use.
• - Mental Health Services Expansion: The program aims to enhance the availability and accessibility of mental health care resources.

Grant Details and Application Process

Grants will be available to eligible nonprofit organizations based in Hartford and St. Louis, with two-year terms for each grant. Nonprofits can apply for as much as $250,000 to support their health-driven projects. By combining financial support with community engagement, the foundation hopes to create sustainable solutions that can evolve and adapt to the communities' needs.

The Cigna Group Foundation has a longstanding history of impactful collaborations with various nonprofits and has been proactive in addressing society's most pressing health issues. In 2024, for instance, it launched a multi-year initiative committing $27 million in grants focused on mental health for youth and veterans and the reduction of health inequities.

For nonprofits interested in applying for the Health Equity Impact Fund, further information can be found on the Cigna Group's official website.

About Cigna Group and Its Foundation

The Cigna Group, a leading global health organization, is dedicated to fostering healthier futures for individuals and communities. With services operating in over 30 countries and more than 187 million customer relationships, the Cigna Group is committed to innovation in health solutions. The Cigna Group Foundation complements these efforts by providing essential support to address significant health challenges through collaboration and resource allocation.

This latest round of grants is part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring that all individuals have equitable access to essential health services. By focusing on community roots and collaboration, the Cigna Group and its foundation are paving the way for a more equitable health landscape.