2025 Improving Veteran Mental Health Grant

The Cigna Group Foundation is offering a targeted grant opportunity to improve veteran mental health by addressing social determinants of health, with a primary focus on housing stability. This initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader three-year commitment totaling $9 million aimed at improving the lives of veterans through housing support and mental health enhancement. The grant program recognizes the high prevalence of PTSD and mental distress among veterans, especially those experiencing housing insecurity, and seeks to mitigate these risks by expanding access to supportive, stable housing environments. This grant is designed to support nonprofit organizations that implement evidence-informed housing interventions. Emphasis is placed on programs using approaches such as the Housing First model, which has demonstrated success in improving housing retention and supporting mental well-being. Applicants should propose initiatives that contribute to one or more of the following outcomes: increased availability of permanent housing for veterans, improved affordability of housing through rent or mortgage assistance, and expanded wraparound services for veterans transitioning from shelters. The goal is to provide veterans with not only shelter, but access to integrated support services that foster mental health recovery and sustainability. The application process is structured in two phases. The first phase involves submission of a Request for Application (RFA), which is accessible through The Cigna Group Foundation website. Organizations deemed eligible will receive an invitation to submit a full application. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) charitable organizations operating within one or more of the designated states: Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, or Texas. National organizations may also be considered if they have an existing partnership or service delivery presence in one or more of the listed states. The Foundation will only fund specific program-related expenses. Allowable costs include salaries for staff involved in implementing the proposed program. However, indirect costs such as fringe benefits, payroll taxes, and general operating or administrative costs are not eligible. Applications must include a budget narrative focused exclusively on the expenses tied to the proposed program. Additionally, applicants must present a well-structured plan for progress and impact measurement, including methodologies for tracking outputs related to housing stability and the resulting effects on veteran mental health. The funding range for this opportunity is between $100,000 and $150,000 per award. Grants will cover a 12-month period of active programming, beginning January 1, 2026. Progress reports are required at six months, and a final report must be submitted at the end of the grant term. The RFA opens on July 8, 2025, and closes on August 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. Organizations invited to the second phase must submit their full applications by September 16, 2025, also by 5:00 PM ET. Notification of decisions will occur in early November 2025. More information, including access to the RFA submission portal and answers to frequently asked questions, is available through The Cigna Group Foundation’s website. Organizations are encouraged to thoroughly review all grant requirements and prepare detailed submissions aligned with the Foundation’s mission to support veteran mental health through stable and affordable housing.

Applicants should align outcome metrics directly with housing stability and veteran mental health impact goals.