#United States #Cigna Group #Youth Mental Health #nonprofit support #Bloomfield

Cigna Foundation Launches 2026 Grant Program to Support Youth Mental Health

In light of escalating mental health issues among the youth, the Cigna Group Foundation has announced the opening of its 2026 Improving Youth Mental Health grant program. This initiative invites nonprofit organizations to submit applications by March 12, 2026. The foundation aims to partner with community-based organizations capable of delivering evidence-informed, meaningful support directly to young people aged 5 to 18, as well as to their guardians—parents, caregivers, teachers, and coaches.

Urgent Response to Growing Challenges

Ellie Polack, President of The Cigna Group Foundation, emphasized the urgent need to address the mental health challenges facing young people today. “The levels of mental health challenges young people experience are unprecedented in our history,” she noted. By investing in organizations that specialize in social-emotional learning, trauma-informed care, and fostering collaboration between families and schools, the foundation aims to ensure that more children access necessary support promptly.

The grant program is not just a monetary contribution; it also integrates volunteering opportunities for Cigna employees, further amplifying the impact of community contributions and fostering a culture of compassion and service among its staff.

Concentrated Funding for Greater Impact

This year, the Cigna Group Foundation has set a $150,000 funding limit for grant requests. This concentrated approach reflects its commitment to creating a significant impact within communities. The foundation particularly seeks applications that focus on:

• - Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Strengthening programs in schools and afterschool settings to enhance children’s emotional and social skills.
• - Trauma-Informed Care: Services that ensure children receive personalized support based on their lived experiences.
• - Family-School Partnerships: Initiatives that create collaborative frameworks for adults and children to achieve healthier outcomes together.

Eligible organizations must operate within one of the foundation’s ten priority states: Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.

Building on a Multiyear Commitment

This grant program is part of a broader $9 million, three-year commitment aimed at improving youth mental health across the country. To date, more than $7 million has been allocated to 53 nonprofit organizations over two grant cycles. In the foundation's first grant term alone, these nonprofits reported reaching over 34,000 individuals including youth, families, and community professionals who serve underserved populations.

Research from The Cigna Group's Evernorth Research Institute indicates that the incidence of mental health conditions among young people has surged by 28% since 2018. Furthermore, youth suffering from multiple mental health diagnoses has increased by 48% during this same time frame. Alarmingly, over two-thirds of young individuals are likely to experience trauma by the age of 16. Poor social and emotional functioning is now widely recognized as a central issue linked to numerous public health challenges.

Application Process

Organizations dedicated to serving youth, particularly in diverse communities, are highly encouraged to apply for the grant. Interested nonprofits can find detailed program requirements and the application process on The Cigna Group Foundation’s official website.

About The Cigna Group Foundation

The Cigna Group Foundation is a private charitable organization funded by contributions from The Cigna Group and its subsidiaries. Its mission is to support community-based efforts addressing significant health challenges. Beyond aiding access to essential programs, the foundation also responds to humanitarian crises and promotes colleague support through matching donations and volunteering initiatives.

The Cigna Group itself operates globally, dedicated to improving health outcomes for individuals and communities. The organization encompasses a range of products and services offered under Cigna Healthcare and its subsidiaries, with operations in over 30 countries and maintaining more than 180 million customer relationships worldwide.

For more information on the foundation and its initiatives, visit The Cigna Group Foundation website.