Bloomfield, Conn., Apr. 16, 2026 — Building on years of community investment and employee volunteerism across Connecticut, The Cigna Group Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), today announced the opening of a new grant cycle for its Health Equity Impact Fund in the Hartford region. The Fund reflects the Foundation’s continued focus on advancing health equity in the communities where its employees live and work, complementing investments in youth and veteran mental health by addressing additional barriers that shape long‑term health and well‑being.
“Connecticut is home to The Cigna Group, and it has long been a priority for us to give back through our philanthropy, our employees’ volunteerism, and our partnerships with trusted local organizations,” said Ellie Polack, president of The Cigna Group Foundation. “By continuing the Health Equity Impact Fund in Hartford, we’re building on strong momentum and deep relationships to help address barriers to health, so more local individuals and families can access the support they need for healthier futures.”
How Hartford Organizations Can Get Involved
The deadline to apply is May 15, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Selected nonprofits will be notified about the next steps in the process. Grant terms begin Dec. 1, 2026, and run through Dec. 1, 2028. Eligible nonprofits may apply for $250,000 in funding over two years to support projects focused on adults in one or more of the following areas:
- Expand the availability of providers and related community-based resources.
- Increase access to transportation for adults to attend health visits and healthy physical activities.
Interested organizations can review eligibility requirements and submit an interest form online.
In addition to receiving grant funding, nonprofits will be invited to participate in an annual convening with Foundation representatives and health equity experts to collaborate, share insights, and strengthen collective impact. Progress achieved through the Health Equity Impact Fund will be reported externally, with impact measured across outcomes related to access and transportation, healthy behaviors, nutrition knowledge and skills, and utilization of clinical care and services.
About The Health Equity Impact Fund
The Health Equity Impact Fund supports community‑based organizations working to address the social drivers of health and promote more equitable outcomes. In the Hartford region, the Fund partners locally to strengthen access to care, improve well‑being, and support communities that have historically faced barriers to good health.
In 2024, seven Hartford‑area nonprofit organizations received Health Equity Impact Fund grants for a two-year term: Charter Oak Health Center, Inc.; Hartford Public Library; Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford; Malta House of Care, Inc.; The Health Collective; The University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc.; and Wheeler Clinic, Inc. Together, these programs expand access to culturally appropriate care and community‑based services that help reduce barriers and improve pathways to better health.
In 2025, an additional four area non-profit organizations received Health Equity Impact Fund grants for a two-year term: American Heart Association- Connecticut Chapter, Hartford Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, and YMCA of Metropolitan Hartford. Together, these organizations are working to increase access to care and transportation to health care services.
A Continued Commitment to Connecticut Communities
As home to The Cigna Group, Connecticut remains a priority for the company’s philanthropic investments, employee volunteerism, and partnerships with trusted local organizations.
In 2025, The Cigna Group Foundation also awarded grants across Connecticut working to improve youth mental health and to support veteran mental health through housing stability. During the same period, CT-based employees of The Cigna Group volunteered at over 90 nonprofits for over 8,700 hours, reinforcing the company’s deep connection to local communities.
Through Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services, The Cigna Group supports hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents through a combination of health benefits, pharmacy services, and care support. Evernorth pharmacies help individuals across the state manage complex and chronic conditions through medication support, convenient home delivery, and efforts to reduce avoidable disruptions that can lead to poorer health outcomes.
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 180 million customer relationships around the world. Learn more at thecignagroup.com.
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.
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