The Cigna Group Foundation Boosts Support for Youth Mental Health Initiatives by $1 Million

Cigna Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America Partnership

On April 22, 2025, The Cigna Group Foundation announced a significant commitment to enhance youth mental health through a donation of $1 million over the next two years to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). This initiative is part of Cigna’s larger, multiyear strategy aimed at improving the mental health landscape for young people across the United States.

The financial support will primarily assist in training local Club staff to better identify youth in distress, ensuring they are equipped to provide trauma-informed care. This aligns with the Foundation’s mission of fostering an environment where youth feel safe, supported, and empowered. The funds will also expand the utilization of BGCA’s Behavioral Support Toolkit, which has proven effective in promoting mental wellness.

Melissa Skottegaard, the board chair of The Cigna Group Foundation, shared her passion for supporting youth, recalling her own positive experiences at a Boys & Girls Club in her childhood. She emphasized how crucial it is for children to have access to guidance and support, especially as they transition from the school year into the summer months when they may feel more vulnerable.

In the past year, the Foundation has already made significant contributions to BGCA. A previous grant of $250,000 was allocated to bolster youth mental health programming and to create a teen mental health guide, which is expected to be rolled out this year. This foundational support has been instrumental in embedding trauma-informed practices within Clubs nationwide.

The Role of Community Engagement

The partnership also fosters employee engagement opportunities, having allowed over 1,250 Cigna employees to participate actively in local Boys & Girls Clubs activities. This kind of engagement not only strengthens community ties but also provides Cigna's workforce with meaningful volunteer experiences.

Earlier this month, a notable event termed the