The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund Opens 2025 Grants

Rhea-AI Summary

The Cigna Group Foundation has announced the second year of its Health Equity Impact Fund, allocating $3 million in grants across Hartford, CT and St. Louis, MO. The $9 million three-year fund aims to address health disparities through $250,000 two-year grants to eligible nonprofits. In Hartford, the focus is on expanding culturally appropriate care and improving transportation access for adults lacking primary care. In St. Louis, the initiative targets substance use disorder treatment and mental health services, addressing higher death rates and emergency room visits. This initiative is part of a broader $27 million philanthropic commitment announced in 2024 focusing on youth mental health, veteran housing stability, and health equity.

The Fund will distribute another $3 million to nonprofits to improve health outcomes

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cigna Group Foundation today announced the second year of grants from its Health Equity Impact Fund. The initiative will allocate a total of $3 million to two cities: Hartford, Conn., where it began last year, and St. Louis, Mo., which struggles with significant health disparities among its adult residents.

"Creating healthier communities starts with supporting healthy habits and improving equitable access to care," said Melissa Skottegaard, board chair of The Cigna Group Foundation.  "Since we created the Health Equity Impact Fund last year, we've helped more than a dozen local organizations achieve their goals. With another $3 million to invest through grantmaking this year, we're proud to focus on two communities where our roots run deep – Hartford and St. Louis. These vibrant communities are home to thousands of our colleagues, and we are committed to taking action to ensure our neighbors thrive for years to come."

The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund focuses on specific geographies where gaps in care are most pronounced, working collaboratively with nonprofit organizations to address the root causes of these inequities. The $9 million, three-year fund commits $3 million per grant cycle to help communities improve health outcomes.

Fund to address access to care, substance use disorder

Hartford, Conn.
In Hartford, The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund will continue to advance health equity for adults who lack access to primary care and transportation. The city faces high poverty rates and lower life expectancy compared to other areas in Connecticut.

Key program goals in Hartford include:

• Expanding Culturally Appropriate Care: Increasing the availability of providers and community-based resources for adults that reflect culturally appropriate care models.
• Improving Transportation Access: Enhancing transportation options to help adults attend health visits and participate in healthy physical activities.

St. Louis, Mo.
St. Louis residents experience disproportionately higher rates of death from substance use disorder and are more likely to visit the emergency room for mental health challenges compared to other counties in Missouri.

Key program goals in St. Louis include:

• Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Increasing access to treatment and support services for substance use disorder in adults.
• Mental Health Services: Expanding access to mental health care and resources for adults.

Funding for eligible nonprofits in both cities are two-year grant terms, with each grant up to $250,000.

The Cigna Group Foundation has a long history of impactful partnerships with nonprofits, and in 2024 announced a multiyear philanthropic and community engagement initiative that committed $27 million in grants over three years to nonprofit organizations focused on improving youth mental health, improving veteran mental health through housing stability, and reducing barriers to health equity.

How to apply
Nonprofit organizations based in or directly providing programs and services in Hartford, Conn., or St. Louis, Mo. can learn more about their eligibility for The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund by visiting our website.

About The Cigna Group
The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the vitality of every individual and every community. We relentlessly challenge ourselves to partner and innovate solutions for better health. The Cigna Group includes products and services marketed under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services or its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group maintains sales capabilities in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 187 million customer relationships around the world. Learn more at thecignagroup.com.

About The Cigna Group Foundation
The Cigna Group Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group Foundation aims to support, collaborate, and convene with nonprofit organizations addressing society's greatest health challenges. In addition to increasing access to programs and care in geographies demonstrating significant need, the Foundation responds with humanitarian aid relief during critical times and strengthens colleagues' support of causes through matching donations and volunteer rewards. To learn more, visit www.thecignagroup.com/community.

Media Contact
Jocelyn Parker
(313) 510-4173
Jocelyn.Parker@CignaHealthcare.com 

 

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SOURCE The Cigna Group

FAQ

What is the size of Cigna Group's Health Equity Impact Fund for 2025?

The Health Equity Impact Fund will distribute $3 million in grants for 2025, as part of a larger $9 million three-year fund.

Which cities will receive Cigna's Health Equity Impact Fund grants in 2025?

The Health Equity Impact Fund grants will be distributed in Hartford, Connecticut and St. Louis, Missouri.

What is the maximum grant amount available through Cigna's Health Equity Impact Fund?

Eligible nonprofits can receive grants up to $250,000 with two-year grant terms.

What are the main focus areas for Cigna's Health Equity grants in St. Louis?

In St. Louis, the program focuses on increasing access to substance use disorder treatment and expanding mental health care services for adults.

How can nonprofits apply for Cigna's Health Equity Impact Fund grants?

Nonprofit organizations based in or providing services in Hartford, CT or St. Louis, MO can check their eligibility by visiting Cigna's website.