The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund

The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund is an initiative of The Cigna Group Foundation, a philanthropic division of Cigna Healthcare. This fund is part of the organization's broader commitment to addressing social determinants of health and promoting equity in healthcare access and outcomes. Recognizing that a significant portion of health is influenced by non-medical factors—such as transportation, housing, and socioeconomic status—the foundation is investing in community-based nonprofit organizations that are actively working to reduce these barriers and improve health outcomes in underserved populations. The foundation has pledged $9 million over a three-year period to support this effort, dedicating approximately $3 million annually. These funds are distributed through two-year grants of up to $250,000 per nonprofit. The fund supports projects that are locally focused and specifically designed to address community-identified disparities in health. The initiative began with a cohort of 15 grantees in Hartford, Connecticut and Houston, Texas. For the upcoming cycle, the fund will support nonprofit organizations in Hartford, Connecticut and St. Louis, Missouri. In Hartford, the program aims to improve access to healthcare by expanding the availability of culturally appropriate care providers and increasing transportation options for adults seeking health services or physical activity opportunities. Hartford faces significant challenges including high poverty rates, limited access to primary care, and low trust in medical institutions. The foundation intends to work with local nonprofits that are well-positioned to address these issues with innovative, community-led solutions. In St. Louis, Missouri, the funding priorities are focused on combating the high rates of substance use disorders and mental health-related emergency room visits. Nonprofits that can provide adult-focused support and treatment in these areas are encouraged to apply. The foundation emphasizes a collaborative approach, working alongside organizations that already have deep roots in the communities they serve. Nonprofits interested in applying for this funding opportunity must submit an interest form by July 10 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The application process is selective; only chosen organizations will be invited to proceed to the next phase. Applications must align with the fund’s specific goals for each geography—healthcare access in Hartford and behavioral health services in St. Louis. The program does not currently provide detailed contact information or an application question list. However, interested applicants are encouraged to visit The Cigna Group’s website and review the frequently asked questions to ensure alignment with program goals and eligibility. The fund is not offered on a rolling basis but appears to recur annually, with this being the second announced cohort.