22 nonprofits will expand access to youth mental health care and strengthen support for families and caregivers
States: Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas
BLOOMFIELD, Conn., June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), today announced $3 million in grants to 22 nonprofits working to improve youth mental health and strengthen support systems across 10 states. Youth mental health needs continue to outpace access to care in many communities, particularly for young people and families navigating limited resources.
“Too many young people still face barriers to getting the mental health support they need,” said Ellie Polack, president of The Cigna Group Foundation. “We’re proud to play a role in helping these organizations expand access to care, strengthen local support systems, and reach more youth and families earlier.”
The grants are part of the Foundation’s three-year, $9 million commitment to youth mental health. The program focuses on:
Expanding access to youth mental health services for ages 5-18Equipping parents, caregivers, educators, and youth service professionalsStrengthening pathways to early intervention and care
Of the 22 grantees, 40 percent are continuing or expanding programs funded in earlier years of the Foundation’s commitment. Eluna, a multi-state nonprofit supporting youth and families experiencing grief, is among the organizations receiving continued support.
“Our Eluna Resource Center slogan is, ‘wherever you are, we are there for you’, and we are so thankful The Cigna Group Foundation has provided us with the opportunity to make that a reality for so many more families,” said Mary FitzGerald, CEO of Eluna. “We’re excited to be going into our third year of programming with The Cigna Group Foundation’s support, offering more family grief camp programs, caregiver workshops, and volunteer opportunities. This funding helps youth and their caregivers feel empowered and less alone.”
The grantees and their respective areas served include:
Arizona: Valley of the Sun YMCA, Women’s Health Innovations of ArizonaConnecticut: Lifebridge Community Services, Inc., McCall Center for Behavioral Health, The Village for Families and ChildrenFlorida: You Thrive Florida, Eluna (FL, GA, IL, MO, PA, TN, TX), Frameworks of Tampa Bay Inc.Georgia: Communities in Schools of Georgia Inc., Atlanta Victim Assistance Inc.Illinois: Distinctive Schools, Illinois Afterschool NetworkMissouri: Center for Conflict Resolution, The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Logos Inc.New Jersey: Embright Education, Mastery Charter Schools (NJ, PA)Pennsylvania: Children’s Hospital of PhiladelphiaTennessee: STARS Nashville, The University of Tennessee Foundation Inc.Texas: Communities In Schools of the South Plains, Momentous Institute
Together with its national partner, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Foundation is helping expand mental health support for young people in Clubs nationwide. Since the partnership began in 2024, 90 percent of Clubs — representing 11,000 staff — have completed trauma-informed training, and more than 250 teens have participated in a pilot of the Behavioral Support Toolkit.
Read about the recent impact of the improving youth mental health grant program here.
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.
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 www.thecignagroup.com.
Media Contact:
Danielle DiStefano
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SOURCE The Cigna Group Foundation
FAQ
What youth mental health initiative did The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI) announce on June 23, 2026?
The Cigna Group Foundation announced $3 million in youth mental health grants to 22 nonprofits across 10 states. According to The Cigna Group Foundation, the funding targets services for ages 5–18, caregiver support, and stronger early intervention pathways in local communities.
How much is The Cigna Group Foundation investing in youth mental health grants overall?
The Cigna Group Foundation is making a three-year, $9 million commitment to youth mental health programs. According to The Cigna Group Foundation, the 2026 $3 million round supports 22 nonprofits, with 40% continuing or expanding programs first funded earlier in the commitment.
Which states benefit from The Cigna Group Foundation 2026 youth mental health grants for CI?
The 2026 youth mental health grants support nonprofits in 10 states: AZ, CT, FL, GA, IL, MO, NJ, PA, TN and TX. According to The Cigna Group Foundation, grantees include organizations such as Eluna, Valley of the Sun YMCA, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
What age groups are targeted by The Cigna Group Foundation youth mental health program for CI?
The program specifically targets youth ages 5–18 through expanded mental health services and supports. According to The Cigna Group Foundation, grants also focus on equipping parents, caregivers, educators, and youth service professionals to recognize concerns earlier and connect young people to appropriate care pathways.
How does The Cigna Group Foundation partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs support youth mental health?
The Foundation’s national partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs expands mental health support in Clubs nationwide. According to The Cigna Group Foundation, about 90% of Clubs, representing 11,000 staff, completed trauma-informed training, and over 250 teens joined a pilot Behavioral Support Toolkit program.
Which nonprofits are receiving The Cigna Group Foundation 2026 youth mental health grants?
Twenty-two nonprofits, including Eluna, Valley of the Sun YMCA, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and STARS Nashville, are receiving grants. According to The Cigna Group Foundation, these organizations serve communities in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.