BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Dec. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cigna
Foundation today announced the open call for applications for its
Healthier Kids For Our Future® grant program, part of a five-year,
$25 million global initiative focused
on improving the health and well-being of children.
In 2021, the program will award an additional $5 million in grants to continue to support
schools, nonprofits and community organizations focused on
addressing food insecurity and the mental health and emotional
well-being of children, with emphasis on loneliness, anxiety,
depression and suicide prevention.
"Our studies show that children are among the most resilient in
our communities, but this year has presented challenges and
uncertainty on a much larger scale due to the pandemic and other
factors," said Susan Stith,
executive director, Cigna Foundation. "We know the best way to
reach these families is by working with the schools and community
organizations that serve them every day. We are so proud of the
work we've accomplished with our nonprofit partners to date, and
look forward to making an even greater impact in 2021."
Since its launch in 2019, Healthier Kids For Our
Future® has awarded over $8
million in grants to nonprofit organizations working to
reduce childhood hunger and improve mental health in our country's
youth. This program furthers Cigna's commitment to addressing
social determinants of health and eliminating barriers to care for
all communities as part of its Building Equity and Equality
Program.
Nonprofits are invited to apply for grants beginning
Jan. 25. The grant cycle will close
on Feb. 26, and grant award
announcements are expected in spring 2021.
As it has since the program's inception, the Cigna Foundation is
looking to partner with school systems and surrounding communities
– including clinicians, and local and national nonprofits – to
supplement existing programming for children to help close gaps
both within and outside of the school environment.
Programming requirements should include:
- Food insecurity, hunger or nutrition education programs.
- Mental health programs with a focus on loneliness, anxiety,
depression and suicide prevention.
- Grants will be considered for school-based or non-school-based
programming, and summertime programs. In some instances, multi-year
requests will be considered.
To determine grant eligibility, start here. In addition, an
information session for applicants will be held in mid-January.
Details will be available on the website early next year.
About Cigna Foundation
Cigna Foundation, established in 1962, is a private foundation
funded by contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE:CI) and its
subsidiaries. Cigna Foundation supports organizations sharing its
commitment to enhancing the health of individuals and families, and
the well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those
communities where Cigna employees live and work.
Media Contact
Meaghan
MacDonald
1 (860) 840-1212
meaghan.macdonald@cigna.com
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SOURCE Cigna Foundation