BLOOMFIELD, Conn., June 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cigna
Foundation is inviting nonprofits working to create greater access
to mental health services to apply for funding through its
Healthier Kids For Our FutureSM grant program. The
program will provide up to a total of $5
million in grants to community organizations over the next
year.
Healthier Kids For Our FutureSM is a five-year,
$25 million global initiative to
improve the health and well-being of children that launched in
2019. Phase I focused on reducing childhood hunger and improving
nutrition, awarding more than $4.5
million in grants to-date.
In Phase II, the program will add an additional focus area,
addressing the mental health and well-being of children. Nonprofits
working to improve childhood hunger can still apply as well.
Many families across the country are facing increased stress and
anxiety right now. Prior to COVID-19, up to 20 percent of children
and adolescents worldwide experienced mental illness1,
and the pandemic is shedding light on a worsening mental health
crisis – as both children and adults are struggling with anxiety,
loneliness, and isolation.2 Cigna's 2018
Loneliness Index also found that Generation Z (ages 18-22) are the
loneliest generation and claim to be in the worst
health.3
"With Cigna and the Cigna Foundation operating around the world,
we see how a lack of quality nutrition in children can lead to
long-lasting physical and mental health problems," said
Susan Stith, executive director,
Cigna Foundation. "That's why we're looking to continue to partner
with organizations that are already working to positively impact
the health and well-being of children. Given what we're seeing play
out through Cigna's landmark loneliness study, and the impact the
coronavirus pandemic is having on childhood hunger and mental
health, it's more important than ever to connect the dots among
communities and schools as we work together to reach more children
in need."
The Cigna Foundation is looking to partner with school systems
and surrounding communities – including clinicians, local and
national nonprofits – to supplement existing programming for
children to help close gaps both within and outside 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.
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
Ellie
Polack
1 (860) 902-4906
elinor.polack@cigna.com
1 World Health Organization. Child and
adolescent mental health.
2 The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19): Stress and Coping.
2020.
3 https://www.cigna.com/static/www-cigna-com/docs/about-us/newsroom/studies-and-reports/combatting-loneliness/loneliness-survey-2018-updated-fact-sheet.pdf
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SOURCE Cigna Foundation