Nonprofit organizations working to support children and teenagers can now apply for the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant Program, funded by the Cigna Group Foundation.

The foundation has committed $9 million over three years to support programs that improve youth mental health, emotional well-being, and access to mental health care for young people aged 5–18.

This funding opportunity focuses on addressing the growing mental health challenges affecting children and adolescents, particularly post-pandemic stress, anxiety, and emotional distress.

Organizations working with parents, caregivers, educators, therapists, and youth-serving professionals are also encouraged to apply.

📅 Application Deadline: March 12, 2026 (5:00 PM ET)

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About the Improving Youth Mental Health Grant Program

The Improving Youth Mental Health Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations delivering evidence-informed programs that help children and teens build resilience, develop social-emotional skills, and access mental health services.

The initiative responds to the growing need for early intervention and mental health support among young people.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, one in five children aged 3–17 experienced a mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. Since the pandemic, the need for effective mental health support systems for youth has increased significantly.

The Cigna Foundation aims to partner with organizations that can deliver scalable solutions, strengthen community support systems, and expand access to care for underserved youth populations.

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Grant Focus Areas

Nonprofits applying for funding must align their programs with at least one of the following priority goals:

1. Strengthening Social-Emotional Skills

Programs that help youth develop skills related to:

• Emotional regulation

• Stress management

• Resilience

• Mental well-being

2. Supporting Parents, Caregivers, and Youth Professionals

Initiatives that equip adults with the tools and knowledge to support youth mental health, including:

• Educators

• Youth workers

• Therapists

• Parents and guardians

3. Expanding Access to Mental Health Care

Programs that improve pathways to mental health intervention, including:

• Early identification of mental health challenges

• Access to counseling or therapy

• School-based mental health services

• Community mental health programs

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Examples of Funded Youth Mental Health Programs

The Cigna Foundation has previously supported a wide range of impactful initiatives through this grant program.

2024 Partner Projects

Examples of impact through funded grant programs from our 2024 nonprofit partners include:

• A holistic, trauma-informed after-school program designed to empower teen boys and girls severely impacted by challenging life circumstances.
• Building social-emotional learning skills in high-school students and educating parents, caregivers, and educators about specific mental health challenges of the students.
• Subsidized therapy for youth, as well as mental health training for local youth-serving organizations and schools.
• Explore outcomes from this cohort in our Improving Youth Mental Health 2025 Impact Report.

Examples of impact through funded grant programs from our 2025 nonprofit partners include:

• A virtual program led by medical students that helps youth in grades 6-12 build skills to manage their stress, develop an understanding of how to take care of their own mental health, and respond to peers experiencing suicidal thoughts.
• A Students Supporting Students program that recruits and trains peers, supported by school staff, to identify signs and symptoms of mental health issues and empowers them to lead a mental health campaign in their school.
• Cost-free, equitable access to school-based care, within the school setting and during school hours, using personalized treatment plans.

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Who Should Apply

This grant opportunity is designed for nonprofit organizations that serve children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges.

Ideal applicants include organizations that:

• Provide youth mental health services

• Deliver school-based mental health programs

• Support social-emotional learning

• Train parents, caregivers, and educators

• Offer early intervention or therapy services for youth

• Work with underserved or high-need communities

Programs should be evidence-informed and focused on measurable outcomes for youth well-being.

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Why This Grant Matters

Investing in youth mental health today helps build healthier, more resilient communities tomorrow.

The Cigna Foundation believes that supporting the mental well-being of young people strengthens families, communities, and society as a whole.

Through partnerships with nonprofits, the foundation aims to expand access to care, strengthen support networks, and ensure that children and teens have the resources they need to thrive.

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How to Apply

Organizations interested in applying for funding can submit their applications before the deadline.

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Learn More