Organizations working to improve youth mental health play a vital role in shaping healthier communities. The Cigna Group Foundation Youth Mental Health Grant 2026 provides significant funding to nonprofit organizations developing programs to support the emotional and psychological well-being of young people. Selected organizations can receive $150,000 in grant funding to expand impactful programs that help children and adolescents thrive.
Quick Facts
- Host Country: United States
- Opportunity Type: Nonprofit Grant Program
- Funding Type: Grant Funding – $150,000
- Eligible Countries: Primarily U.S.-based nonprofits (national organizations with programs in eligible states may qualify)
- Deadline: March 12, 2026 (5:00 PM ET)
About the Cigna Group Foundation Youth Mental Health Grant 2026
The Cigna Group Foundation Youth Mental Health Grant 2026 is part of a broader commitment by the foundation to strengthen mental health support for young people. The initiative aims to address growing concerns about youth mental health challenges, particularly in underserved communities where access to services is often limited.
Through this program, the foundation is investing in nonprofit organizations that provide evidence-based programs designed to support the emotional and psychological development of children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 18.
The funding supports initiatives that improve mental health outcomes by strengthening social-emotional skills, expanding access to mental health services, and helping parents, educators, and youth professionals better support young people. According to the program announcement, the foundation has committed $9 million over three years to initiatives that help youth manage post-pandemic stress and improve long-term well-being.
Priority areas for the 2026 grant program include:
- Social-emotional learning programs in school or after-school settings
- Family-school partnerships that support youth well-being
- Trauma-focused services and mental health interventions
This opportunity is officially offered by The Cigna Group Foundation, and applicants should apply through the official application portal.
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Eligibility Criteria
Organizations applying for the Cigna Group Foundation Youth Mental Health Grant must meet the following requirements:
• Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Deliver programs benefiting youth aged 5–18 years
• Operate or deliver programs in one or more of the following states:
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
Additional eligibility details:
- National nonprofit organizations may apply if they have existing partnerships or program delivery models in the eligible states
- Projects must align with at least one of the program’s priority focus areas
- Applicants must clearly outline program evaluation and impact measurement strategies
- Grantees must submit progress and final reports during the grant term
Benefits
The Cigna Group Foundation Youth Mental Health Grant 2026 provides substantial financial support for nonprofit initiatives working to improve youth mental health outcomes.
Key benefits include:
- $150,000 grant funding for program implementation
- 12-month grant period beginning August 1, 2026
- Support for program-related staffing costs
- Opportunity to expand evidence-based mental health programs
- Recognition from a global health services organization
Grant funding must be used specifically for program implementation. Administrative costs and indirect expenses are generally not eligible.
Who Should Apply
The Cigna Group Foundation Youth Mental Health Grant is best suited for nonprofit organizations that are actively working to improve the mental health and well-being of young people.
This opportunity may be particularly valuable for:
- Community-based nonprofit organizations
- Youth development organizations
- Educational nonprofits working with schools or after-school programs
- Mental health service providers supporting children and adolescents
- Organizations focused on trauma-informed care or social-emotional learning
Programs that serve underserved communities and demonstrate measurable impact will be especially competitive.
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Application Process
The application process takes place in two stages:
1. Submit the Request for Application (RFA)
Organizations must first complete the RFA submission through the foundation’s grant portal.
2. Invitation to Submit a Full Application
Selected organizations that meet the eligibility criteria will receive an email invitation to submit a full proposal.
3. Full Application Review
Applicants will provide detailed program plans, budgets, and evaluation methods.
4. Final Decision
Successful applicants will be notified once the review process is completed.
Program timeline
- RFA opens: February 3, 2026
- RFA deadline: March 12, 2026
- Invitation to full application: March 18, 2026
- Full application deadline: April 15, 2026
- Final decisions announced: Late June 2026
- Grant term begins: August 1, 2026
How to Apply for Cigna Group Foundation Youth Mental Health Grant 2026
Nonprofit organizations that are committed to improving youth mental health should consider applying for this funding opportunity.
Preparing a strong proposal that clearly demonstrates program impact, measurable outcomes, and community need will increase the chances of being invited to submit a full application.
Because the Cigna Group Foundation Youth Mental Health Grant 2026 follows a two-step application process, organizations are encouraged to submit their initial request early.
For more details, visit the Cigna Group Foundation Grant Program.
Application deadline: March 12, 2026 (5:00 PM ET)
