Deadline: 12-Mar-2026
The Cigna Group Foundation is offering a $150,000 grant to support nonprofit initiatives that improve the mental health and well-being of youth aged 5 to 18, while also equipping parents, caregivers, and youth service professionals with effective tools and resources. The 12-month grant prioritizes measurable impact, post-pandemic mental health recovery, and sustainable, long-term outcomes for children and adolescents.
Overview
The Cigna Group Foundation is inviting grant applications from eligible nonprofit organizations to support programs that enhance youth mental health and strengthen the capacity of adults who support children and adolescents.
This funding opportunity focuses on addressing mental health challenges among youth aged five to 18, with particular attention to post-pandemic stress, emotional distress, and long-term resilience.
Purpose and Strategic Priorities
The foundation’s grantmaking strategy emphasizes both direct support for youth mental health and indirect support through parents, caregivers, and youth-serving professionals.
Key priorities of the program include improving youth mental health outcomes related to post-pandemic challenges, supporting parents and caregivers in fostering emotional well-being, and equipping educators, therapists, and other youth service professionals with practical tools and training.
The foundation also places strong emphasis on measuring progress and impact, ensuring that short-term program outputs contribute to sustainable, long-term improvements in youth mental health.
Funding Amount and Grant Duration
Successful applicants will receive a total grant of $150,000.
The funding is provided over a 12-month grant period and is intended to support program implementation and measurable impact within that timeframe.
Eligible Applicants
This grant opportunity is open to registered nonprofit organizations that hold valid 501(c)(3) status.
Applicant organizations must demonstrate the capacity to implement youth-focused mental health initiatives and to track, evaluate, and report on program outcomes.
Eligible and Ineligible Costs
Salaries for staff directly involved in program implementation are allowable under this grant.
However, the funding cannot be used for fringe benefits, payroll taxes, general operating expenses, administrative costs, or indirect costs. Applicants should design their budgets carefully to align with these funding restrictions.
Measurement, Evaluation, and Impact Requirements
Applicants are required to clearly articulate how they will measure progress and impact.
Proposals should demonstrate a clear connection between program activities, short-term outputs, and long-term improvements in youth mental health. Measurement strategies may include activity tracking, training completion data, or outcome-based indicators.
For example, programs aimed at strengthening adult support systems may track the number of parents, caregivers, or youth service professionals trained in positive youth development within schools, after-school programs, or similar settings.
Reporting Requirements
Organizations awarded funding will be required to submit two formal reports.
A six-month progress report must be submitted midway through the grant period to document implementation progress and early outcomes.
A final report is required at the end of the 12-month grant term to demonstrate overall impact, outcomes achieved, and lessons learned.
Why This Grant Matters
Youth mental health challenges have intensified in the post-pandemic period, increasing the need for evidence-based, scalable, and sustainable interventions.
By supporting both youth and the adults who care for and work with them, the Cigna Group Foundation aims to create lasting improvements in mental health outcomes and strengthen community-level support systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that implement youth mental health programs are eligible to apply.
What age group must the programs focus on?
Funded initiatives must focus on youth aged five to 18.
How much funding is available?
The grant provides $150,000 in funding over a 12-month period.
Are staff salaries allowed under this grant?
Yes. Salaries for staff directly involved in program implementation are eligible costs.
What expenses are not covered?
Fringe benefits, payroll taxes, administrative expenses, general operating costs, and indirect costs are not eligible for funding.
What type of impact measurement is required?
Applicants must clearly explain how program activities and outputs will be measured and how they contribute to long-term improvements in youth mental health.
Are reporting requirements mandatory?
Yes. Grantees must submit a six-month progress report and a final report at the end of the grant period.
Does the grant support parents and caregivers?
Yes. Supporting parents and caregivers is a core priority, particularly in helping them foster youth mental health and resilience.
Conclusion
The Cigna Group Foundation Youth Mental Health Grant offers significant funding to nonprofit organizations committed to improving the mental health of children and adolescents.
By prioritizing measurable impact, adult capacity-building, and long-term sustainability, this grant provides a valuable opportunity for organizations working at the intersection of youth well-being, education, and mental health support.
For more information, visit The Cigna Group.