On February 12, 2025, The Cigna Group Foundation announced significant advancements in its commitment to combat the escalating youth mental health crisis in the United States. The Foundation is now accepting grant applications for 2025, as part of a larger $9 million initiative launched in 2024 aimed at supporting youth mental health services. This year, the Foundation will distribute $3 million in grants specifically targeting post-pandemic stress and distress among youth aged 5 to 18.

A Dedicated Commitment to Youth Mental Health

Melissa Skottegaard, board chair of The Cigna Group Foundation, emphasized the urgency of addressing the pervasive mental health challenges faced by young people in a post-pandemic landscape. “We recognize conditions spurred by stress in a post-pandemic world are pervasive among our nation's youth,” Skottegaard stated. “That's why The Cigna Group Foundation remains dedicated to partnering with trusted nonprofit organizations that can deliver local resources and services aimed at supporting and improving youth mental health and well-being.”

The grants are designed to extend support to not only the youth but also to the crucial adults in their lives, including parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals such as educators and therapists. The application period for eligible organizations in select states will remain open until March 13, 2025.

Targeted Funding to Areas of High Need

The Cigna Group Foundation will prioritize grant funding in regions with a significant number of customers facing high and very high social determinants of health risks. This includes states like Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas. The Foundation aims to increase the reach of programming that fosters social-emotional skills and well-being, empowers caregivers, and enhances pathways to mental health intervention and care.

According to research from The Cigna Group's Evernorth Research Institute, the prevalence of mental health conditions among young people has surged by 28% since 2018, with those diagnosed with multiple mental health disorders rising by 48%. The report underscores the alarming reality that over two-thirds of children and adolescents will experience trauma by age 16, highlighting the urgent need for effective mental health interventions.

First-Year Grants Deliver Impactful Results

In 2024, the initial year of the youth mental health grant program, The Cigna Group Foundation provided funding to 28 organizations dedicated to supporting local youth. Key initiatives funded include:

Eluna's Camp Erin: With a $150,000 grant, this nationwide grief camp network is expanding family camps and support for caregivers and mental health professionals across multiple states.

McCall Foundation's Adolescent Services Program: A $150,000 grant is being used to extend services in Waterbury, Connecticut, including the expansion of its Spanish-speaking clinical team to ensure culturally appropriate care.

Mindfulness First's "Leading with Mindfulness" Program: A $100,000 grant will fund a full-time onsite mindfulness coach in Maricopa County, Arizona, to guide students and empower teachers in mindfulness practices.

Women's Resource Center's Child and Youth Advocacy Program: Through a $150,000 grant, this Georgia-based organization is enhancing its youth program to help children overcome the trauma of witnessing violence and develop healthy relationships.

A Legacy of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

The Cigna Group Foundation has a rich history of impactful partnerships with nonprofit organizations. In addition to its current commitment, the Foundation announced a broader philanthropic initiative in 2024, pledging over $27 million in grants over three years to improve youth mental health, veteran mental health, and reduce barriers to health equity.

About The Cigna Group

The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) operates as a global health company, dedicated to fostering a healthier future for every individual and community it serves. With a presence in over 30 countries and more than 189 million customer relationships worldwide, the organization continues to innovate solutions for better health through its various brands, including Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services.

About The Cigna Group Foundation

The Cigna Group Foundation is a private entity funded by contributions from The Cigna Group and its subsidiaries, focusing on supporting nonprofit organizations addressing critical health challenges in society. The Foundation not only increases access to essential programs but also responds to humanitarian needs during crises and encourages employee engagement through matching donations and volunteer rewards.

For more information, visit The Cigna Group Foundation's website.

Media Contact

For further inquiries, please contact:

Jocelyn Parker

Phone: (313) 510-4173

Email: jocelyn.parker@cigna.com

The initiatives and funding opportunities outlined by The Cigna Group Foundation represent a strong commitment to nurturing the mental well-being of the nation's youth during a critical period of need. As applications for the 2025 grants open, nonprofits are encouraged to step forward and contribute to this vital cause.

Original press release