The Cigna Group Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $15,648,243 (2023 data)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by grant programme
• Grant Range: $50,000 - $150,000+ (varies by programme)
• Geographic Focus: Priority states - AZ, CT, FL, GA, IL, MO, NJ, PA, TN, TX

Contact Details

Website: https://www.thecignagroup.com/our-impact/esg/healthy-society/community/foundation/

Phone: 215-761-1163

Email: foundationgrants@thecignagroup.com

Address: 1601 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19192

Contact Person: Kenneth Seda

Overview

The Cigna Group Foundation (EIN: 23-6261726), established over 50 years ago, is the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group. The foundation has committed more than $27 million in grants over three years (2024-2026) to non-profit organisations addressing critical health challenges. In 2024, the foundation announced a major philanthropic initiative focusing on youth mental health ($9 million), veteran mental health and housing stability, and reducing barriers to health equity through its Health Equity Impact Fund. The foundation supports programmes designed to enhance the health of individuals and families and the well-being of their communities, with special emphasis on children's wellness, senior care, women's health, and health equity. The foundation prioritises grants in regions where The Cigna Group has a significant number of customers with high social determinants of health risks.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Youth Mental Health Initiative ($3 million annually through 2026)

• Grant Range: Typically $50,000-$150,000
• Focus: Programmes for youth ages 5-18 addressing post-pandemic stress and distress
• Goals: Increasing reach of programming that fosters social-emotional skills; equipping parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals; increasing pathways to mental health intervention and access to care
• Application: Fixed application periods through online portal
• Notable partnership: $1 million over two years to Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Veterans Mental Health & Housing Stability

• Grant Range: Varies by programme
• Focus: Improving mental health of military veterans through housing stability and homeownership with support services
• Application: Fixed application periods
• Example award: $250,000 to Habitat for Humanity International

Health Equity Impact Fund ($3 million annually to specific cities)

• Grant Range: Varies by project scope
• Focus: Projects directly addressing root causes of specific health disparities in local communities
• Geographic Focus: Rotating cities each grant cycle
• Application: Fixed application periods for specific geographic areas

Priority Areas

• Youth mental health and social-emotional wellness
• Veterans mental health and housing stability
• Health equity and reducing barriers to care
• Children's wellness
• Senior care
• Women's health
• Programmes serving underserved populations and addressing healthcare disparities

What They Don't Fund

Organisations:

• Individuals or organisations established to benefit one individual
• Organisations whose activities may represent a conflict of interest
• Capital campaigns
• Fraternal organisations
• Organisations or programmes with substantial social, religious, or political advocacy
• Faith-based organisations (unless activities are accessible to the general public and not aimed at promoting one religion over another)
• Organisations that discriminate
• Projects not reflecting The Cigna Group's Code of Ethics

Expenses:

• General operating expenses
• Administrative costs
• Indirect costs
• Fringe benefits
• Payroll taxes
• Event sponsorships or fundraisers

Note: Only tax-exempt organisations under Section 501(c)(3) or Section 170(b) of the Internal Revenue Code are eligible. The foundation also does not sponsor events; sponsorships are handled by The Cigna Group on an invite-only basis.

Governance and Leadership

Board Chair: Melissa Skottegaard

Recent Board Members (appointed to bring breadth and depth across disciplines, geographies, and experiences):

• Amy Flaster
• Sachin Joshi
• Andrea Nelson
• Matt Perlberg
• Celeste Player
• Melissa Skottegaard
• Kari Knight Stevens
• Doug Woodard

Corporate Leadership Connection: David Cordani serves on the board of directors for the CIGNA Foundation. Cordani is Chairman and CEO of The Cigna Group and has emphasised that "the best way to lower health costs is to avoid a health event from ever transpiring." He has stated that creating impact requires considering "how to complement societal programs designed for the 'average' person with customized approaches."

The foundation has been investing in healthier futures for communities for more than 50 years and operates as the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Cigna Group Foundation operates multiple grant programmes throughout the year, each with distinct application timelines, award announcement timing, and geographic focus.

Application Portal: Applicants must register and create a login through the Cigna Proposal Management System at cignafoundation.versaic.com

Two-Step Process:

1. Initial RFA (Request for Application) submission
2. If eligible and invited, applicants receive an email with a link to submit a full application

Key Requirements:

• Organisations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
• Applicants should align funding requests with the Community Health Implementation Plan (CHIP) that accompanies their local Community Needs Assessment (CNA) or Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA)
• Salaries for programme staff are allowable, but fringe benefits and payroll taxes are not

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary by grant programme. Each programme has mutually exclusive application periods, with award announcements scheduled according to the specific grant cycle.

Success Rates

In 2024, the first year of the youth mental health grant programme, The Cigna Group Foundation distributed funding to 28 organisations from the pool of applicants. The foundation awarded grants to 22 organisations in its initial youth mental health cohort, with additional organisations added in subsequent rounds. Specific overall success rates and total application numbers are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly documented. Organisations with current grants may apply for a second grant, though if approved, the new grant cannot start until the first grant ends. Organisations may only be funded for one active period at a time. For specific guidance on reapplication after an unsuccessful submission, applicants should contact foundationgrants@thecignagroup.com.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Community Health Plans: The foundation specifically seeks applicants who align their funding requests with the Community Health Implementation Plan (CHIP) for their community. This demonstrates understanding of documented local health needs.

Demonstrate Innovation and Measurable Impact: The foundation seeks "partnerships with groups committed to fostering measurable outcomes and sustainable change." Proposals should "showcase innovative approaches towards addressing health challenges and promoting wellness in communities."

Priority Populations: Priority is given to initiatives that target underserved populations or address healthcare disparities. The foundation focuses on regions with significant numbers of customers facing high social determinants of health risks.

Geographic Alignment: Applications from the priority states (Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas) are prioritised. Each grant programme may have additional specific geographic requirements.

Detailed and Professional Proposals: According to application guidance, successful applicants "provide detailed responses that clearly outline how your project will make a positive impact within the community and include any supporting materials or data that can strengthen your proposal." Applications should be "polished and professional" and "effectively communicate the value of your project and its alignment with Cigna Foundation's goals."

Budget Compliance: Understand and strictly adhere to budget restrictions. Only programme staff salaries are allowed - no general operating expenses, administrative costs, indirect costs, fringe benefits, or payroll taxes.

Examples of Funded Organisations (2024):

• Youth Mental Health: Eluna (grief programming for youth, $150,000), McCall Foundation (adolescent services programme), Mindfulness First (Arizona), Children's Bereavement Center (Florida), Wings for Kids (Georgia), Conexión Américas (Tennessee)
• Veterans: Habitat for Humanity International (homeownership, $250,000)
• Health Equity: Charter Oak Health Center, Hartford Public Library, Lucille's 1913 Community Kitchen

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Know your community health plan: Align applications with your local CHIP/CNA/CHNA to demonstrate understanding of documented community needs and strategic approach to addressing them
• Focus on the priority states: While the foundation operates globally, strong priority is given to AZ, CT, FL, GA, IL, MO, NJ, PA, TN, and TX
• Budget strictly for direct programme costs: Do not include general operating, administrative, indirect costs, fringe benefits, or payroll taxes - these are explicitly excluded
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes: The foundation emphasises "measurable outcomes and sustainable change" - include specific metrics and evaluation plans
• Target underserved populations: Applications addressing healthcare disparities and serving underserved communities receive priority consideration
• Plan for programme-specific cycles: Each grant programme has distinct timelines and geographic focus - monitor the foundation website for announcements about upcoming application periods
• Showcase innovation: Applications should demonstrate innovative approaches to health challenges, not just continuation of existing services

References

• The Cigna Group Foundation website: https://www.thecignagroup.com/our-impact/esg/healthy-society/community/foundation/ (Accessed January 2026)
• The Cigna Group Foundation FAQs: https://www.thecignagroup.com/our-impact/esg/healthy-society/community/foundation/faqs (Accessed January 2026)
• Press Release: "The Cigna Group Foundation Announces Grants to 22 Nonprofits to Help Address the Youth Mental Health Crisis" (August 5, 2024): https://newsroom.thecignagroup.com/2024-08-05-The-Cigna-Group-Foundation-Announces-Grants-to-22-Nonprofits-to-Help-Address-the-Youth-Mental-Health-Crisis
• Press Release: "The Cigna Group Foundation Combats Youth Mental Health Crisis, Now Accepting 2025 Grant Applications from Nonprofits" (February 12, 2025): https://newsroom.thecignagroup.com/2025-02-12-The-Cigna-Group-Foundation-Combats-Youth-Mental-Health-Crisis,-Now-Accepting-2025-Grant-Applications-from-Nonprofits
• Press Release: "Six new members join The Cigna Group Foundation Board of Directors": https://newsroom.thecignagroup.com/six-new-members-join-the-cigna-group-foundation-board-of-directors
• Cigna Foundation Profile, ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/236261726 (Accessed January 2026)
• Cigna Foundation Profile, Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=CIGN001 (Accessed January 2026)
• Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia: "The Cigna Group Foundation Awards $150,000 Grant to Eluna" (October 2024): https://philanthropynetwork.org/news/cigna-group-foundation-awards-150000-grant-eluna-help-address-youth-mental-health-crisis