Reducing Barriers to Health Equity Grant Program

Reducing Barriers to Health Equity Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: CIGNA Foundation
Amount: Up to US $250,000
Last Updated: June 10, 2025

Summary

The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund aims to reduce health disparities by supporting local nonprofits in Hartford, CT, and St. Louis, MO. With an annual commitment of $3 million, the Fund focuses on enhancing access to culturally appropriate healthcare, transportation, and mental health services. By addressing root causes of health inequities, the Fund empowers communities to improve overall health outcomes and foster sustainable change in underserved areas.

Overview

Reducing Barriers to Health Equity The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund supports nonprofits serving local community members to address root causes of health inequities. Our Approach The goal of the Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund is to support, convene, and collaborate with nonprofit organizations serving local community members. This Fund operates on a hyper-local level in select U.S. cities and has committed $3 million each year to support local nonprofits. Our first grantee cohort is advancing innovative projects in Hartford, CT, and Houston, TX. For the second cohort, we are seeking to support nonprofits that are serving community members in Hartford, CT, and St. Louis, MO. Hartford, Connecticut In the capital city of the state where our company is headquartered, we will continue to advance health equity and address disparities in our own backyard. Hartford struggles with high poverty rates and lower life expectancy compared to other Connecticut cities. Additionally, Hartford residents are disproportionately likely to forgo health care due to lack of access to reliable transportation, and lack of access to primary care and/or lack of trust in care.3,4 Fund goals: Expand the availability of providers and related community-based resources for adults that reflect culturally appropriate care models.Increase access to transportation for adults to attend health visits and healthy physical activities. St. Louis, Missouri Residents of St. Louis have disproportionately higher rates of death from substance use disorders and are more likely to visit the emergency room for a mental health challenge than other counties in Missouri.5,6,7 Fund goals: Increase access to treatment and support for substance use disorders in adults.Increase access to mental health services for adults.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Nonprofits serving Hartford, CT, or St. Louis, MO, and aligning with The Cigna Group Health Equity Impact Fund goals.

Ineligibility

The Cigna Group will not support any organization whose activities may represent a conflict of interest for it or any of its companies. Specific examples include: individuals or organizations established to benefit one individual; capital campaigns, fraternal organizations, organizations or programs whose mission includes a substantial element of social, religious, or political advocacy; faith-based organizations, unless the activities being funded are accessible to the general public and are not aimed at promoting one religion or faith over any other.The Cigna Group Foundation does not fund general operating expenses, administrative costs, and indirect costs.